ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The East Central University volleyball team embarked on their first Arkansas road trip of the season, facing off against Henderson State University on Thursday night. Despite the Reddies taking one set, the Tigers triumphed with a thrilling 3-1 match victory at Duke Wells Center, adding another win to their record.
 
With the victory, ECU elevates to 12-8 overall and 6-2 in conference play, while Henderson drops to 2-6.
 
"Being able to win on the road is always tough," Head Coach Danielle Essix said. "We are battling some injuries right now, so I am really proud of having players step up and the toughness we showed tonight."

The match showcased a back-and-forth battle, with the first three sets closely contested as each were decided by just two points, including two sets that went to extra points (25-23, 27-25, 28-30). Although Henderson narrowly claimed the third set to extend the match, ECU pulled away in the fourth set and seized control, decisively winning 25-17 for the 3-1 match victory.
 
Four Tigers led the offensive charge: Emma Strickland, Faiana Halatoa, Ashleigh Miller, and Peyton Spahn. Strickland and Halatoa made big impacts in both the front and back row, with Strickland recording 15 kills and 14 digs, while Halatoa contributed 12 kills and a career-high 18 digs. Miller tallied 12 kills and four blocks, and Spahn notched a career-high 10 kills and four blocks for a strong performance. Julia Kabala ran the offense dishing out 42 assists, and Valentina Tijerina anchored the defense with a team-high 20 digs.
 
The ECU volleyball team will quickly turn around for their next GAC matchup against Ouachita Baptist University tomorrow, Oct. 18 at 4 pm.