The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff volleyball hosted the inaugural Roar Classic held at H.O. Clemmons Arena.

There were three teams featured in the event, Arkansas at Fort Smith, Arkansas at Monticello, and UAPB as the host team. All schools are under the University of Arkansas System.

The Lady Lions had a record-setting day in the classic defeating UAM 3-0 (25-21, 25-10, 25-14) to break the record for most consecutive home wins in school history with six straight victories at H.O. Clemmons Arena.

UAPB extended their streak to seven games with a win over UAFS 3-1 (20-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-16).

"Coming into this tournament playing teams from the U of A System, it's an accomplishment," head coach Chelsey Lucas remarked about the inaugural tournament. "Both teams have been around for a long time, and playing them was good for their program and ours. It was huge for our team to come out with a win against both schools, so I'm proud of my ladies." 

In the win over UAM, UAPB was led in kills by Haley Gomez with a game-high eight kills. Zyonn Smith added to the kill total with seven kills.

Gomez and Kori Diego led the way defensively with three blocks apiece in the match for the Lady Lions. Smith finished with a game-high 17 digs to the lead UAPB. Nikole Akamine led the team with 18 assists and led the game with four service aces.

Smith led the way in the second match with a game-high 12 kills against UAFS. Gomez added nine kills along with a game-high nine blocks in the match. 

Nyah Ellis finished with a team-high 22 digs in the match. UAPB was led in assist by Akamine with 14 assists, and Keaundra Sykes followed with 13 assists.

"I'm excited for our ladies," coach Lucas said. "Making history as the team with the longest winning streak at home is an accomplishment. It's something we wanted to do and we did it. We may not sweep every team, but we know how to win, and that'll be good for us going forward. If we come out and do things the right way, the outcome will be a victory every time."

#1TEAM1ROAR