The Sugar Bears volleyball team competed in the Central Arkansas Invitational Sept. 5-7, hosting the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Trojans, Southeastern Louisiana University Lions and the Boston College Eagles in the Prince Center. On Sep. 5th, the Sugar Bears took the Trojans to five sets– coming out with the win with set scores of 25-15, 22-25, 25-15, 23-25, and 15-13. 

Junior outside hitter Laci Bohannan tallied 17 kills and five aces and junior right-side hitter Gabby Tuiaana was also a standout player in this game with 14 kills. 

Senior setter Caylan Koons recorded her first double-double of the season with 42 assists and 12 digs, while senior libero Alexis McDaniel led the team in digs with 22.

The Sugar Bears took on the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions Sept. 6. 

The Sugar Bears took a loss against the Lions in 4 sets. All of the sets were close, with the scores being 23-25, 27-25, 22-25, and 26-24. 

Throughout the course of the game, the Sugar Bears had a strong offense, seeing six players tally five or more kills against the Lions, with sophomore middle blocker Greyson Button leading the team with nine kills. Koons led the team in assists, racking up 20 over the course of the game, and junior setter Sophie Skinner followed close behind with 14.

By the start of their third game of the weekend, the Sugar Bears were down five players due to injuries: concussions, leg injuries, and even an abdominal strain; however, the Sugar Bears went out onto the court and faced off against the Boston College Eagles.

The Eagles defeated the Sugar Bears, with set scores of 13-25, 27-29, and 23-25.

After a tough first set, the Sugar Bears were able to loosen up a bit and relax into the game, which led to two very competitive sets. 

Sophomore outside hitter Ella Chaney led the team in kills with 10, while Koons led the team in assists, tallying 13 total.

Following the Central Arkansas Invitational this weekend the Sugar Bears have a record of 1-4. Their next game will take place Friday, Sept. 12, at Chicago State University, which can be streamed on ESPN+.