RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas Volleyball team dropped their first Great American Conference match of the season against the Golden Suns of Arkansas Tech on Thursday evening (Sep. 26) inside the Tucker Coliseum in Russellville, Arkansas.  The Muleriders took an early lead in the first set but the Golden Suns fought back and took down the Muleriders in three straight sets claiming the victory with a score of 27-25, 25-16, 25-18.
 
Senior Jada Hudson led the offense for the Muleriders with 10 kills as well as 2 block assists. Setter Macie Shaver recorded the most assists of the group with 14. Brinklee Dauenhauer did her part by recording 13 digs to keep the Muleriders going in the rallies. Isla Olivas took charge at the net as she tallied 3 block assists.
 
The Muleriders came out with a strong start and were in the lead for the majority of the first set. As SAU was in the lead by 24-22 the Golden Suns recorded a couple of kills and service aces to tie the set and then claim the first set victory. Just like the first set the Muleriders started strong in the second set and took the lead in the beginning but the Golden Suns stepped on the gas once again and delivered a strong performance to claim the second set 25-16. In the third and final set, the Muleriders were overwhelmed by the offensive efforts by the Golden Suns, and despite a late push from the Muleriders Arkansas Tech won the third set 25-18 and claimed the match victory.
 
Southern Arkansas will be back in action on Tuesday (Oct. 1) inside the W.T. Watson Center as the Muleriders take on Arkansas Monticello at 6:00 PM.