MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Competing in their first regular season tournament since the 2019 season, the Southern Arkansas University Mulerider volleyball team put up a quality fight against two Division II opponents on Day one of the Buccaneer Invitational, hosted by Christian Brothers University. Despite giving a solid effort, the Muleriders were unable to pick up a win today as they took on Kentucky Wesleyan College, and Southwest Baptist University.

Head Coach Lindsey Parks and her team got off to a fast start in game one against KWC as they jumped out to an early 4-0 lead during the first set. SAU would never trail in the first, and used an 18 to 4 run to cruise first set win 25-14. KWC however would respond as the Panthers would win three straight sets (26-24, 25-19, 25-19) to pick up the 3-1 win. SAU would only be outscored 90-87 in the match.

Landry Rogers was the lone Mulerider to finish with double-digit kills as she tallied 11, while Victoria White finished with nine kills, and Isla Olivas would finish with seven. SAU had three players hit over .200 in Landry Rogers (.269), Morgan Schuster (.250), and Isla Olivas (.250).  Schuster would also lead the Muleriders with 36 assists in the match, and nine digs to go along with Alexa Heard who also collected nine digs.

In their second match of the day against SBU, SAU once again had a quick start to the match as they took set one 25-19. SBU would answer in set two as they won 25-21, followed by the Muleriders turning around and taking set three 25-21 to make it 2-1 Muleriders. SAU would be outdone by the Bearcats in set four as SBU won 25-19 to force a take all set 5. SBU jumped out to a quick lead in the final set to sneak past the Muleriders taking the set 15-8 to give them a 3-2 win for the match.

Rogers led the Muleriders with 15 kills, giving her 26 kills between the two matches. White also chipped in double-digit kills as she collected 13 kills, followed by Jillian Capps with nine. Schuster collected a game-high 41 assists, to go along with 12 digs. Abby Bermudez showed off her athleticism as she tallied four blocks. Both Rogers (.303) and Schuster (.267) hit over .250.

The Muleriders will close out the CBU Invite tomorrow afternoon as they will take on the University of Charleston at 2 p.m. followed by a contest with the host school CBU at 7 p.m.

You can stay up-to-date with all things Mulerider Volleyball by visiting www.muleriderathletics.com or by following Mulerider Athletics on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @muleridersports.