NORMAN, Okla. – Central Arkansas fought hard in the first set but ultimately fell 3-0 on the road at Oklahoma Thursday evening inside McCasland Field House. The set scores were 28-26, 25-19, 25-8, with the match drawing 521 fans.
The opener was a back-and-forth battle featuring 16 ties and six lead changes, as the Sugar Bears (2-7) pushed the Sooners to extra points before OU claimed the 28-26 edge. Central Arkansas stayed within striking distance in the second frame, but Oklahoma (8-1) pulled away late behind efficient attacking. The Sooners closed strong in the third, hitting .414 and never trailing to secure the sweep.
Gabby Tuiaana paced UCA with nine kills and two blocks, while Samantha Cousins added seven kills. Setter Caylan Koons dished out 25 assists with seven digs, and libero Alexis McDaniel led the back row with 13 digs and one ace.
Oklahoma finished the night hitting .363 as a team, led by Emoni Bush (14 kills, .433) and Alexis Shelton (14 kills, .370). Kamille Gibson added eight kills and five aces, while middle KJ Burgess posted six kills on .667 hitting with five blocks.
The Sugar Bears return home Sunday to host Oklahoma in Conway, with first serve set for 3:30 p.m. at the Prince Center.
