GOLDEN SUNS CLINCH GSC WEST DIVISION TITLE WITH ITS
THREE-SET HOME WIN OVER ARKANSAS-MONTICELLO

         RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas – The Arkansas Tech Golden Suns Volleyball team clinched the Gulf South Conference West Division title here Wednesday with its three-set win over Arkansas-Monticello (25-13, 25-23, 25-16) at Tucker Coliseum.  

With the victory, Tech improved to 30-4 overall and 10-1 in GSC play. In addition, the Golden Suns extended its school record home match winning streak to 19 straight and are a perfect 18-0 at home this season.

“We’ve earned this year,” said Tech Head Volleyball Coach Kristy Bayer of the Golden Suns first GSC West Division Championship since 2000. “We’ve worked really hard and played well on the road. I was pleased that we recovered tonight from last Thursday’s loss against CBU and we were focused.

“I was pleased to clinch the regular season championship for our seniors. They’ve had outstanding careers and this solidifies their hard work. It is a good way to go out.”

Senior outside hitter Racheal Urquhart (Chatham, Ont.) led a balanced Tech offensive attack with eight kills, while sophomore middle blocker Sarah Von Lienen (Lakeland, Tenn.), sophomore right side hitter Ashlynn Hamrick (Jackson, Mich.), and freshman outside hitter Laura Farney (Morton, Ill.) each added seven kills. Senior middle blocker Dana Florian (Wilmington, Ill.) had six kills and three blocks in the win.

On defense, Urquhart paced the way with 17 digs, while freshman libero Brennae Benda (Woodstock, Ill.) and sophomore setter Kera Dukic (White Lake, Mich.) added 10 and nine digs respectively.

For the match, Tech finished with a .217 hitting percentage and held the Cotton Blossoms to an .033 hitting percentage. In addition, Tech held a 51-46 advantage in digs.

Taura Rush led UAM (18-16 overall, 4-7 GSC) with a match-high 10 kills and added a match-high 18 digs. Nicole Ferguson added eight kills and Maegan Martin notched 31 assists in the loss.

The Golden Suns will conclude its regular season with a 7 p.m. match against Henderson State on Thursday, Nov. 6 at Tucker Coliseum. The match will mark the final home contest for Tech’s four seniors – setter Kayla Allison (Tulsa, Okla.), defensive specialist Kirsten Fifield (Wheatfield, Ind.), Florian, Urquhart, along with student assistant coach Kayla Nabholz.

Arkansas-Monticello Box Score

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