ADA – The East Central University volleyball team dropped a four-set match to Arkansas-Monticello, 3-1 (21-25, 25-22, 22-25, 16-25), in Great American Conference action at the Kerr Activities Center.

The Tigers (6-18, 1-9 GAC) were paced by senior Alex Campbell, with 17 kills, a .297 (17k-6e-37ta) hitting percentage and four digs.  Senior Lily Porsa led the defensive charge, recording 26 kills and a service ace.

All four sets were battles, with 26 combined tie scores and 13 lead changes.  In the first set, ECU took the advantage in the middle of the set before a 10-3 run by the Cotton Blossoms (10-14, 2-8 GAC) tied the set at 18.  The teams traded small runs the rest of the set, with a 3-0 run at the end giving UAM the 25-21 win.

The second set was a battle of runs, with each team earning several points in a row to either tie the set or take the lead.  The Cotton Blossoms got the final big run, earning 10-straight points to tie the set at 22.  However, the Tigers pushed through and took the next three points for the 25-22 win.

The third set was again a close battle, with the final tie coming at 22-all.  Unfortunately for ECU, UAM took the next three points for the 25-22 win.

The final set started close, but a 5-0 run by the Cotton Blossoms gave them a 9-6 lead.  UAM held the lead for good, before pushing through for a 25-16 win.

The Tigers will now get ready for a match Saturday, Oct. 21 against Southern Arkansas at 2 p.m.  The match is the annual Senior Day for ECU, with the Tigers honoring their seven seniors: Micah Rogers, Taylor Turner, Madeline Mayer, Lily Porsa, Mackenzie Davis, Alex Campbell and Diana Etienne.