CONWAY, Ark., – The University of North Alabama beach volleyball team went 1-1 on the opening day of the Central Arkansas Beach Bear Classic. The Lions defeated Little Rock 5-0 before falling to host UCA by the same score. UNA is now 8-7 on the season.
In the opener, UNA won all five matches in straight sets. Victories at the bottom of the lineup gave the Lions the early lead. Caroline Conkle and Allison Temple started the scoring at No. 5 with a 21-12, 21-11 victory. North Alabama extended its lead to 2-0 with a win by Lauren Quigley and Jelena Girod at the No. 4 spot.
A 21-9, 21-12 win by Paula Klemperer and Natalie Kordt at No. 2 then clinched the match. North Alabama finished the scoring with wins at the No. 3 and No. 1 positions.
Playing Central Arkansas for the third time this season, UNA could not get over the hump. The Bears pulled out wins in all five matches, beginning with a sweep at the bottom of the lineup. A 21-14, 21-19 win at No. 3 clinched the match for the home team before two more victories at the top two positions closed out the scoring.
UNA will remain in Conway for two more matches at the event on Saturday. The Lions will face Hendrix at 10 a.m. before facing UCA for the fourth time this season at noon.
