AUSTIN, Tex. – UAM volleyball split the final day of the 2024 Hilltopper Classic, hosted by St. Edward’s University. The Blossoms fell to Purdue Northwest in game one, 3-1, before prevailing over Newman University, 3-2.
Game 1 – Purdue Northwest
The opening set began with the Blossoms struggling to produce momentum, falling, 15-6, early to the Purdue Northwest Pride. UAM worked to cut the deficit to six, bringing the score to 20-14, but couldn’t hold on for the remainder of the match. The Pride would take set one 25-19 over UAM.
Set two began evenly matched with UAM and PNW tied 9-9. The Pride pulled ahead with four points to push them into a 13-9 advantage. The Blossoms responded with four unanswered points to tie the match at 13-13. Purdue wouldn’t relinquish control of the set, sealing the deal with another 6-0 and 4-0 rally, to win 25-18.
Set three looked to be in the Pride’s favor when they took a 7-3 lead, the Blossoms wouldn’t back down in the set, tying the game 15-15. For every PNW point earned, UAM responded with two points of their own, resulting in a 24-24 score. Needing two to win, a kill from Natalie White and an attack error from Purdue sealed the deal, 26-24, earning the Blossoms their first set win of the 2024 season.
Needing to win set four to stay alive UAM looked in position to do so when they took the lead, 15-11. PNW took control after 13 kills turned the set in their favor, taking the final set, 25-20, and the match, 3-1.
Natalie White once again led the Blossoms in kills, with 16.
Mia Smalls assisted in 27 attacks throughout the match.
Defensively, the Blossoms led in blocks with six and combined for 45 digs.
GAME ONE NOTES
- This was the second meeting between the Blossoms and the Pride – the last match was played in 2021
- Set three was the first winning set of the 2024 season.
Game 2 – Newman University
The Blossoms of Arkansas-Monitcello saw their first win of the season, taking down the Jets of Newman Univerisity in a 3-2, victory.
The opening set began with the Blossoms, 15-7, over the Jets early. UAM never let NU come close to their score, seven impressive kills would help the Blossoms take set one 25-17.
Set two opened with the Blossoms controlling the scoreboard early, 6-0. The Jets soon found momentum to begin scoring and brought the set to,16-16. It would be a back-and-forth battle between UAM and NU for the remainder of the set, leaving the score, 25-25. However, the Jets would score two on back-to-back kills to win set two, 27-25.
Set three saw the Jets leading the Blossoms 10-4, with the Blossoms struggling to block the attacks from Newman. NU, who had already scored six unanswered points, earned another 6-0 run, to put UAM down ten, 17-7. The Jets would take set three, 25-15 over the Blossoms.
Set four saw one of the best openings for Arkansas-Monticello this season, with the Blossoms taking a 14-3 lead over the Jets right out of the gate. Utilizing the offensive talent on the roster, UAM kept NU at bay, winning set four by 11 points, 25-14, forcing a winner-take-all set 5.
Needing to score only 15 to win set five, the Blossoms seemed determined to do so, outscoring the Jets 7-4. Newman tied the game at, 9-9, however, the Blossoms pulled ahead, scoring 6 on the next eight serves to win the final set, 15-11, and the match 3-2.
Natalie White led the Blossoms again with 16 kills in the match.
Mia Smalls once again led the Blossoms in assists, providing 28 assists in game two. Combined with the 27 assists in match one, she totaled 55 on the day.
Defensively, the Blossoms had eight blocks in the match and were led by Maelie Cooke who had 16 digs.
GAME TWO NOTES
- The 3-2 victory is the first win of the 2024 season.
- This is the first official NCAA D2 win as Head Coach for Arlicia Ortiz.
- First match-up between the Blossom and Jets since 2017.
- Featured the most Kills in a match since the 2022 season.
- First match to go to 5-sets since the 2022 season.
Hilltopper Classic All-Tournament Team
Arkansas-Monticello’s Natalie White was selected to the Hilltopper Classic All-Tournament Team. During UAM’s four matches, Natalie recorded 48 kills with eight digs, and one block in 15 sets played. White joins the All-Tournament Team, alongside two members from St. Edward’s, Purdue Northwest, and Illinois Springfield. They are also joined by a player from Newman.
From Head Coach Arlicia Ortiz
“I’m really happy with the progress made over this weekend alone. The resilience of this team is something very special that we continue to build on everyday. We’re starting to find our groove a little bit, so I look forward to getting to Monticello, watching some film & preparing for our next tournament in Tennessee.”
UP NEXT
Arkansas-Monticello returns to action on Friday, September 13th when they travel to Jackson, Tennessee to compete in Union University’s Volleyball Invitational! The Blossoms will take on Edward Waters Univerisity at 11:00 a.m., at the Fred DeLay Gymnasium.
Links to both live stream and live stats are available as clickable links on the 2024 UAM Volleyball Schedule at uamports.com.
How to Follow UAM Volleyball
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