FLORENCE, Ala. (October 29, 2025) – The University of North Alabama volleyball team was defeated Wednesday evening in a four-set home bout to Central Arkansas in Atlantic Sun Conference action inside CB&S Bank Arena.

The Lions (12-12, 6-5 ASUN) fell in the midweek matchup, but UNA battled close in all four sets. Central Arkansas (11-10, 6-3 ASUN) fended off North Alabama in sets one and two, but the Lions picked up momentum with a third-set victory. UNA looked to extend momentum in set four, but the rally fell short en route to the Sugar Bears win.

Despite the loss, junior Kendall Barnes secured 500 kills for her career. The Memphis, Tenn. native landed the mark with her fifth kill in set one, finishing the match with 15 on the night. It marks the second time a Lion has surpassed 500 kills this season after sophomore Reese Ricketts did it against McNeese on Sept. 19.

Ricketts led the Lions with a match-high 19 kills and team-high three service aces. Sophomore Kinslee McGowan led with 44 assists, and junior Ava Martindale registered a match-high 22 digs. Junior Nicole Sargent led the team with three blocks.

The two teams started even in set one, but a mid-set run by Central Arkansas made the difference in the opener. Both teams were tied at 12 until a 5-1 UCA run gave the Sugar Bears a 17-13 advantage. North Alabama would close the gap to three points at 22-19, but Central Arkansas won set one, 25-20.

The Sugar Bear offense led the way in set two despite a strong offensive outing by Ricketts. The sophomore had nine kills in the set. Central Arkansas took a 2-0 lead and led wire-to-wire in a 25-19 set win.

UNA's best offensive outing came in set three, leading to a 25-19 win to make the score 2-1. The Lions rallied to win the set after trailing by as many as seven points. The Sugar Bears led 15-7 when a 10-0 UNA run gave North Alabama the 17-15 lead. The Lions held strong to see the set out and take the match to set four.

North Alabama looked to extend the match to set five, but Central Arkansas would take the fourth frame fending off another UNA rally. The Sugar Bears never trailed in the fourth set,, leading to a 25-20 set final.

The Lions play North Florida next in CB&S Bank Arena for Senior Day on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 1 p.m.

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.