STARKVILLE, Miss. (August 31, 2025) – The University of North Alabama volleyball team ended its weekend at the Maroon & White Invite on Sunday, dropping its final match in Starkville against Mississippi State, 3-0.

The Lions head home with a 2-1 record, coming off two opening-day victories against Grambling State and Southeast Missouri.

The Lions were led on offense by junior Kendall Barnes and sophomore Reese Ricketts with seven kills each. Sophomore Kinslee McGowan tallied a team-high 21 assists, also leading in service aces with two.

Junior Ava Martindale rounded out the team leaders with 14 digs.

The Lions struck first in the first set, gaining momentum early after an even start. The teams traded points until UNA went on an early 4-0 run to take a 9-6 lead. The Bulldogs answered back with an 8-2 run after a called timeout to take an 14-11 lead.

Mississippi State maintained a narrow advantage throughout the set, but North Alabama continued to battle. Down 22-17, UNA went on a 6-2 run to cut Mississippi State's lead to 24-23. The Bulldogs took the last point to win the set.

The second set began with another even affair, but the Bulldogs were able to gain the upper hand first. Leading 10-9, a 5-1 run from Mississippi State put the Bulldogs up 15-10 heading into the media timeout. Mississippi State's efficient attack continued out the timeout, leading to Mississippi State winning set two, 25-12.

An early run set the tone for the Bulldogs in set three, who finished with a 25-16 win in the final frame.


UP NEXT

North Alabama has a quick turnaround for its next match, traveling to nearby Huntsville on Tuesday, Sept. 2 to face the Alabama A&M Bulldogs at 6 p.m.

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