Memphis, Tenn. - The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff volleyball team dropped a pair of matches on the first day of the Tiger Brawl Invitational hosted by the University of Memphis Friday at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse.

UT Martin 3 UAPB 1

UAPB claimed the third set against UT-Martin, but the Skyhawks battled back to win three sets and claimed victory over the Lady Lions in the first match of the Tiger Brawl Invitational Friday afternoon. 

"The team came out and played well against a very athletic UT-Martin team," said first-year UAPB head coach Chelsey Lucas. "Offensively, we made a lot of progress with the players playing very well and a lot of contributions from our younger players. We fought well in four sets and will learn how to win those matches in the future." 

Sophomore outside hitter Kaila Robinson led the Lady Lions, tallying nine kills and seven digs. 

Senior setter Micayala Pope added a team-high 16 assists and four digs, while freshman Reagin Williams led the team with two blocks.  

Memphis 3 UAPB 0 

In the first set, the game went back and forth before Memphis went on a run to take the first set in a close one. The Tigers would go on to take sets two and three in day one of the invitational.  

"After dropping game one, the ladies could have easily laid down, but they came out playing hard giving themselves a chance to win," said Lucas. "We will learn as we go and get ready for day two of the tournament."                                                                                            
Sophomore outside hitters Haley Gomez led all hitters with four kills and one block, followed by Kaila Robinson with eight digs and three kills. Pope finished with nine assists and two digs.

UAPB will be back in action tomorrow for day two against Gardner-Webb at 10 a.m. 

#UAPBLionsAreComing