RICHMOND, Ky. (October 10, 2026) – The University of North Alabama volleyball team fell to Eastern Kentucky in three sets Saturday in Richmond, Ky. at Baptist Health Arena.
The Lions (14-5, 4-2 UAC) were led offensively by juniors Reese Ricketts and Kinslee McGowan. Ricketts tallied 17 kills, while McGowan had 34 assists and two kills. McGowan also had a double-double after leading the team with 16 digs.
Freshman Kaylee Maikranz also helped defensively, reaching a season high of 13 digs. She also had four assists.
SET ONE: EKU 26, UNA 24
The opening set proved to be the closest one of the day, with early scoring going back-and-forth, including a 6-6 tie. This was followed by a 4-0 run by the Lions to go up 10-6. UNA held this lead for majority of the set, only losing it after a 20-20 tie. There were four more ties after this, the last being 24-24 before EKU pulled away to win in extended play. Ricketts had her most kills this set, recording eight.
SET TWO: EKU 25; UNA 19
Early scoring stayed within two until EKU gained an 11-8 lead. The Lions continued to stay within three until EKU went on a 3-0 run to gain a five-point lead at 16-11. The Lions immediately went on a 3-0 run themselves to get back within two at 16-14. This was followed by another 5-0 run from the Colonels to go up by six points. The deficit remained the same, and EKU eventually won this set by six. Ricketts led this set in kills as well, recording five.
SET THREE: EKU 25; UNA 19
The Lions earned the first point of this set with a kill, but the Colonels followed with a 4-0 run.UNA did not see the lead again this set. The Lions fought back from an early EKU lead to tie it up at 7-7 and 8-8. UNA stayed within two, but EKU went on a 5-0 run to go up by seven at 20-13. The Lions had a late rally, leaving EKU stuck at match point for three plays, but the Colonels closed the set 25-19.
UP NEXT
North Alabama has back-to-back home matches next week, welcoming UT Arlington on Thursday, Oct. 15 and Austin Peay on Friday, Oct. 16 l. Both matches will be played at CB&S Bank Arena and will start at 6 p.m.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
