Lions Volleyball Earns First ASUN Win
The University of North Alabama’s volleyball team celebrated a big victory recently, marking their first Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) win this season. They played at home against Austin Peay and won convincingly, taking all three sets.
The Lions improved to a record of 7-7 with this win. This match was special—they’ve now beaten Austin Peay in five out of the last six meetings. The atmosphere in the CB&S Bank Arena was electric, with fans cheering them on.
North Alabama’s offense was on fire, achieving a hitting percentage of .330, a season-high. The standout players included junior Kendall Barnes, who notched 13 kills, and sophomore Reese Ricketts, who added 12. Barnes hit an impressive .321, while Ricketts hit .267. Another key player was sophomore Dylann Garner, who contributed eight kills with an eye-popping .538 hitting efficiency.
Kinslee McGowan, the reigning Setter of the Week, excelled with 37 assists. Lankford Gurner shined too, with a career-high of four service aces and leading the team in digs at 12. Junior Nicole Sargent topped the defensive effort with five blocks.
The Lions started strong. In the first set, they overwhelmed Austin Peay with 16 kills and led by as much as 13 points, winning 25-16. The second set was tougher, but a crucial 7-2 run turned the tide. Even as Austin Peay pushed back, Ricketts secured the final point to end the set.
In the third set, after leading 10-7, North Alabama went on another impressive run, stretching their lead to 18-9. Despite a late challenge from Austin Peay, Ricketts closed out the match with another kill, sealing the Lions’ victory.
Looking ahead, the Lions have another challenge on Sunday, September 28, as they face the Lipscomb Bisons at 1 PM in the same arena.
Recent Trends and Insights in Volleyball
Volleyball continues to grow in popularity, especially among younger athletes. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, participation in high school volleyball has increased significantly over the past decade. This surge mirrors the rising fan engagement, particularly on social media platforms. Fans often share highlights, stats, and personal reactions during and after games.
As the sport evolves, expert coaches emphasize the importance of skill development and mental toughness. Coaches like Karch Kiraly stress that a balanced approach to training leads to better performance under pressure. This philosophy seems to resonate with the Lions’ recent success, showcasing how teamwork and preparation can lead to impressive outcomes on the court.
For the latest updates and more on North Alabama Athletics, check out UNA Athletics.
