The University of Central Arkansas volleyball team was on the road Saturday, Oct. 4, playing against North Florida. 

UCA won the match against North Florida 3-2; they have stayed unbeaten in conference play, according to UCA Sports.

During the sets, UCA had a total of 63 kills and North Florida had 72.

“To battle through and get the win during these drastic games relies on team discipline, trust and keeping control on our side,” Junior Samantha Cousins said. “It is very easy to get wrapped up in the game and all the emotions, so keeping calm and making sure we play sugar bear volleyball is very important.”

Set one helped balance UCA’s offense while trying to fight against North Florida’s defense, according to UCA Sports.

“But as soon as Central Arkansas felt like the momentum was swinging its way, the pendulum swung the opposite way, and a back-and-forth first ended with a 4-1 run after being tied at 21-21 in favor of the home team,” according to UCA Sports.

In the second set, UCA played really well, “scoring 10 of the first 13 points and racing out to a seven-point lead,” UCA Sports.

During the third set, North Florida got their momentum back, and the score went up in North Florida’s favor to 2-1.

“I just have to tell myself over and over again to breathe and take it one point at a time,” said redshirt Freshman McKinzee Haas. “Teams are going to get their hard swings and that will take some momentum their way, but we know that we will get our hard swings too and take that momentum right back.”

“Staying composed in matches like these goes back to practice. The girls are put in these situations constantly throughout the week. They know how to believe in each other and be resilient in tough moments,” said Coach Newberry.

Throughout the last two sets, both teams fought hard.

“Finally, tied at 16-16, a successful challenge gave the Sugar Bears a one-point lead, and a Bohannan kill sealed the deal, handing the Sugar Bears their fourth-straight ASUN win,” according to UCA Sports.

“We just have to keep taking it one game at a time. Coach Newberry is always telling us that all these games are for a ring and for the conference championship, but he also reminds us about the here and now,” said Haas. “He always tells us to stay in the moment and focus on the next game ahead. As long as we keep playing our game, this could be a very good season for us.”

“As a team, we need to focus on ourselves and accomplish the goals we have set in place. We have to treat every game as the next most important thing to stay focused,” said Cousins. “We have a great team that can accomplish big things this year and that is my motivation for the season.”

The Sugar Bears will play next Friday, Oct. 10, at home against Florida Gulf Coast.