HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Lady Lions Volleyball team opened their 2025 season with three competitive outings at the Betty Austin Invitational, also serving as the MEAC-SWAC Challenge, inside Elmore Gymnasium. UAPB showed growth throughout the weekend, highlighted by standout performances across the roster.

In their opener against Morgan State, the Lady Lions battled through three sets with steady play on both ends. Amayah Jones led the attack with 5 kills on a .571 hitting percentage while collecting 6 digs. Haley Reeves added 5 kills and 4 digs, and Zuzanna Zietek contributed 4 kills at the net. Jada Shepherd steadied the offense with 8 assists and 3 digs, giving UAPB early-season rhythm despite the result.

Facing Delaware State in match two, the Golden Lions showed improved offensive movement. Ashanti Butler powered the attack with 9 kills and 10 points, while Reeves chipped in with 2 aces and 5 digs. Martyna Lubowicz was efficient with 2 kills on a .667 clip and added a block. Jones provided defensive consistency with 7 digs, and Shepherd tallied 7 assists to keep the offense flowing.

The weekend concluded with a four-set battle against South Carolina State, where UAPB secured a set and displayed its most complete performance of the invitational. Butler again led the charge with 12 kills, 13 points, and 7 digs. Jones delivered a breakout outing with 7 kills on a .700 hitting percentage, adding 3 aces to her stat line. Shepherd contributed 13 assists and 6 kills, while Reeves turned in a strong all-around performance with 4 kills, 10 digs, and a block. Marlina Anderson and Ngozi Nwosu also added timely points, keeping UAPB in striking distance throughout the match.

The Lady Lions left Huntsville with valuable early-season experience, establishing Butler's presence at the net, Jones' efficiency and versatility, Shepherd's playmaking, and Reeves' balance on both sides of the ball as key strengths moving forward.

UAPB returns to action next weekend at the Belmont Invitational in Nashville, Tennessee, with matches scheduled for September 5-6.