CONWAY, Ark. – Lamar University struggled to find its rhythm early Thursday evening dropping a three-set match at Central Arkansas, 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 28-26).
 
LU (1-9/1-4 SLC) was hurt by missed opportunities Thursday recording an .073 attack percentage (28-20-110). In addition to the attack errors, the Cardinals were also recorded five service errors and whistled for five ballhandling errors.
 
Sophomore Kaitlyn Gil led the team with seven kills, while freshman Tytiana Johnson added six.
 
UCA was 44-17-108 (.250) offensively and was led by nine kills from Alexis Stumbough.
 
The Cardinals fell behind 5-0 in the first set but managed to get back within two on multiple occasions but couldn't get over the hump. The Bears used a late run to take the set. The second set was similar as the hometown team scored seven of the first nine points and managed to keep the Red and White at arm's length for the rest of the set.
 
The Cardinals came out in the second set with more fight taking and early 4-2 lead. LU pushed its advantage to six points after going on a 6-2 run midway through the set. The Bears answered by scoring five of the next six points to pull within two.
 
The two teams went back and forth for the rest of the match before UCA pulled even at 22. The match would be extended past the 25-point plateau before the Bears snagged a two-point victory.
 
The Cardinals return to action Sunday when they host Sam Houston. The match against the Bearkats is a makeup from earlier this season due to the winter storm that hit Southeast Texas. Sunday's match will begin at 3 p.m. from the Montagne Center.