MAGNOLIA, Ark. – On the final day of the two-day trek in Arkansas, the East Central University volleyball team fell just short of a victory against Southern Arkansas University inside W.T. Watson Athletic Center Friday afternoon.
 
ECU is now 8-10 overall and 3-4 in GAC play.
 
The Tigers faced a tough challenge in the opening set as the Muleriders got off to a blazing start, taking an early 10-2 lead. ECU immediately responded with an 8-1 run that narrowed the gap to just one point at 11-10. Despite their efforts, though, SAU managed to regain control to take the first set 25-19.
 
Set two saw a complete turnaround for the Tigers as they exploded onto the court with a commanding 10-1 lead, leaving the Muleriders struggling to catch up. Although SAU chipped away at the lead, ECU maintained their dominance and secured a convincing 25-16 victory, leveling the match at 1-1.
 
The third set mirrored the opening set, with SAU jumping ahead with a strong 10-2 lead. ECU once again clawed their way back into contention, eventually tying the score at 22-all, 23-all, and 24-all. However, Southern Arkansas University managed to edge out a close 26-24 win to regain the lead 2-1.
 
In the fourth set, the Tigers found themselves trailing early falling behind 4-0. However, they quickly turned the tables with a 9-2 scoring run, taking a 9-6 advantage. The lead changed hands multiple times during the set, but ECU dug deep to come out on top, closing out the set 25-22 and forcing a fifth and deciding set.
 
In the crucial fifth set, things did not go as planned for ECU. SAU surged ahead with a 3-0 lead and maintained their momentum throughout the set. Despite ECU's efforts to mount a comeback and narrowing the gap to just one point at 11-10, the Muleriders managed to pull away with four unanswered points to secure a 15-10 victory in the final set and the 3-2 win over ECU.
 
The Tiger offense was highlighted by Emma Strickland, Odalys Gonzalez, and Jada Abercrombie. Strickland and Gonzalez each had a double-double performance, earning 18 kills apiece while Strickland recorded 20 digs and Gonzalez had 13. Abercrombie posted 10 kills and added two blocks. Other notable action came tonight by Sydney Roshek with a team-high five service aces and 24 digs and Brooke Sarahina who amassed 31 assists controlling the offense.
 
The ECU volleyball team will return to Ada to prepare for three home matches. Their first match will be on Tuesday, Oct. 10 against Oklahoma Christian at 6 pm.