It would have been easy for the Arkansas Tech Golden Suns to get caught looking ahead on Tuesday night, but it was clear from the beginning that would not be the case.
Arkansas Tech (14-1 overall, 5-0 Great American Conference) won its 14th consecutive volleyball match and pulled into a first-place tie in the GAC standings with a 25-13, 25-14, 25-21 victory over the East Central University Lady Tigers at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville.
The victory sets up a showdown between the Golden Suns and the nationally 23rd-ranked Harding Lady Bisons (14-2, 5-0) at 7 p.m. Thursday at Tucker Coliseum. The winner will move into sole possession of first place in the GAC standings.
Sara Motsinger led the Golden Suns on Tuesday with 11 kills and six blocks. Laura Farney added 10 kills, Brennae Benda recorded 19 digs and Amber Cerrillos notched 33 assists as Arkansas Tech improved to 18-1 at home over the last two seasons.
Noelle Cope had eight kills for East Central (5-11, 2-3).
The Lady Tigers came into the week as the GAC leader in both digs and blocks, but the Arkansas Tech offense rolled to a .340 team hitting percentage (37 kills, 5 attack errors, 94 total attempts). East Central made just one team block and the Suns held a 48-40 edge in digs.
Thursday’s match between Arkansas Tech and Harding has been designated by Tech head volleyball coach Kristy Bayer as “Pack the Stands Night” at Tucker Coliseum. The Golden Suns will try to break the school record for volleyball attendance, which is 983 fans.
Admission to Tucker Coliseum on Thursday will be free.
Click here to view more photos from the Arkansas Tech-ECU match.
Click here to learn more about Arkansas Tech volleyball.
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