In the most anticipated match of the season, Arkansas State volleyball lost 0-3 to both the University of Arkansas and University of Illinois in an attendance shattering weekend for the A-State Invitational. 

For the in-state rival matchup, 4,128 fans filled the arena, nearly doubling the previous record of 2,517. However, a defensive weakness left by A-State middle blocker Daedrianna Cail’s graduation led to a 0-3 sweep for the Razorbacks.

The Red Wolves offense kicked off the first set with an explosive 4-0 run, but the Razorbacks leaped ahead in a single serving round bringing the score to 4-6. The rest of the first set became an onslaught of kills from both sides. 

Outside hitter Parker Duncan led the barrage for the Razorbacks while outside hitter Kaitlin Whitlock pushed the counterattack for the Red Wolves. When the dust settled, the Razorbacks were left standing in a neck-and-neck first set, taking the win 24-26.

Starting in the second set, Arkansas attacked the middle area for kill after kill. Cail left extremely large shoes the Red Wolves have yet to fill. The Razorbacks took advantage of this weakness, stealing the offensive lead for the remainder of the game. 

The Red Wolves fought back but could not overcome their glaring flaw as the Razorbacks took the second set 25-21. 

In the final set, the Razorbacks went on two 5-0 runs while the Red Wolves failed to withstand the onslaught. Unable to create their own opportunities or defend the middle, the Red Wolves folded under the offensive pressure. This final set ended 17-25 with an ace from Razorbacks outside hitter Lakin Laurendine. 

Whitlock led the Red Wolves offensive performance, showing an impressive display of game-high 38 total attacks and a team-high 12 kills. For the visiting team, Duncan and Laurendine spearheaded the Razorbacks offense. Duncan’s game-high 20 kills followed by 14 Laurendine kills caused immense pressure throughout the match. 

In their second match of the invitational, the Red Wolves’ losing streak extended to two in a row against the Fighting Illini. Although A-State showed improvements from the previous game, their defense could not overcome Illinois’ consistent offense.  

A-State’s slow start resulted in a devastating first 15-25 first set but the team began to ramp up to finish the match. They led the second set until Illinois recorded four kills and a block from Taylor Boer closed the gap and Paityn Chapman ended the set 25-22. 

The third set became an intense back and forth with A-State mostly holding the advantage. However, Illinois took the lead in the final moments and closed the game 23-25. 

Making a defensive impact on the match was A-State middle blocker Calea Bush, a freshman with a game-high five blocks. Bush showed defensive promise in the Bowling Green Invitational but showed very little against the Fighting Illini. 

Another key player in the match was outside hitter Devyn Lewis. Lewis was a key offensive player in previous matches, but stalled in the game against the Razorbacks. However, Lewis pushed her rough match to the side and had a game-high 35 total attacks against Illinois. 

The Red Wolves invitational ended in total defeat, leaving a record 4,128 fans wondering if these games spell the start of an unsuccessful season. With this question in mind, the Red Wolves look to prove themselves as conference play begins at home against the University of Louisiana-Monroe on Sept. 23. 

Categories: Sports