ADA – In what turned out to be a marathon match, the East Central University volleyball team fell to Henderson State 0-3 (24-26, 24-26, 20-25) in Great American Conference action at the Kerr Activities Center.

The Tigers (5-15, 3-5 GAC) were paced by junior Madyson Gill, who tallied 15 kills, five digs and two block assists.  Junior Kaci Harrison added 11 kills and 18 digs for her fifth double-double of the season.

The first two sets were as close as they could be and ended up being forced to extra points.  In the first set, the teams pushed through 12 ties and six lead changes before a team earned the win. ECU took the early advantage (7-3), but saw the Reddies (10-10, 5-3 GAC) fight back to tie the set at nine. 

The teams battled to a 15-all tie and then HSU took a 15-19 advantage on a 6-1 run.  However, the Tigers fought back and tied the set at 19 to continue the battle.  ECU took a 24-23 lead, but the Reddies claimed the final three points for the 24-26 win.

The second set was tight from start to finish, with no team taking more than a four-point lead.  The result was 13 tie scores and seven lead changes.  The Tigers pushed ahead with a late 23-20 advantage, but the Reddies didn't quit fighting and used a 6-1 run to earn the 24-26 win.

HSU kept the momentum they had earned at the end of the second set to start the third, talking a 4-11 lead.  However, the Tigers kept fighting and slowly cut into the deficit to get within one (19-20).  But the Reddies countered with a 5-1 run to take the match with a 20-25 win.

ECU will look to rebound quickly, as they host Ouachita Baptist Saturday, Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. at the Kerr Activities Center.