STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Tarleton State got off to a hot start in its return home, but couldn't hold onto its early 2-0 advantage, falling in five sets to Central Arkansas.
The Texans (6-12, 2-3 UAC) fell 25-12, 25-18, 15-25, 15-25, 10-15, on Thursday night at Wisdom Gym in Stephenville. Tarleton State cruised through the first two sets, then Central Arkansas flipped the script in Sets 3-4. The Texans got close late in the fifth set, but the Bears (3-12, 3-2 UAC) held on for the conference victory.
Tarleton State's
Madison Frank had a team-high 15 kills, along with five blocks, to lead the team with 18.5 points. Her 15 kills were a season-high, her most since 18 at California Baptist on Sept. 25, 2025, and her most ever at home. Frank had a .536 hit percentage, 15 kills in 28 attempts with no errors.
LaNeah Lara added 10 kills, and
Alyssa Dinh nine kills with a .467 hit percentage.
Peyton Fadal led the team in assists with 26, with
Alexis Massey adding 17.
Leddy Rae Guinn had 18 digs at libero.
The Texans couldn't be stopped to start Thursday's match, beginning with a 5-0 spurt thanks to three aces by Fadal. That lead stretched to 22-11 before a 25-12 close. The Texans then jumped out to a 10-3 lead in the second set, which was more of the same, a 25-18 set win.
Central Arkansas countered with hot starts in the next three sets. The Bears led 9-4 in the third set before winning 25-15, led 6-0 and 12-3 in the fourth set to win 25-15, then 7-2 in the fifth set, holding off Tarleton State 15-10.
The Bears had a .323 to .250 hit percentage advantage for the match.
The Texans will look to bounce back on Saturday against rival Abilene Christian at 1 p.m. at Wisdom Gym. It will be a Pink Out, as fans are encouraged to wear pink to support the breast cancer awareness match.
