The Sam Houston women’s volleyball team was defeated by the University of Central Arkansas Sugar Bears in five sets on Tuesday evening, beginning their season 0-1.

Even with the loss, Bearkat volleyball players had several individual accomplishments, most notably senior outside hitter Ashley Lewis set a career-high with 25 kills alongside 25 digs.

“It’s huge,” Lewis said. “It’s always fun to get out there and play and compete. Being over a year, we were all amped up.”

New players were able to make an immediate impact on the opening night, including freshman libero Hannah Baker who had a team-high 26 digs on the night. Freshman defensive specialist Makensie Garner and freshman middle blocker McKenzie Morvant also made huge impacts on the game, which head coach Brenda Gray talked about after the game.

“We have a freshman libero, we have a freshman at the [defensive specialist], and we have a freshman in the middle that are actually out there starting,” Gray said. “I thought those three freshman did a wonderful job. I think once they get more comfortable with the tempo of everything, it will be pretty impressive.”

Sophomore setter Morgan Janda also had a team-high 29 assists on the night.

Each set of the match was close in score and hard-fought. The first set got started by Lewis, but the Sugar Bears overcame the Bearkats 31-29.

The second set was in Sam Houston’s favor as they came back with a 25-21 victory. However, UCA was not about to let up, taking the third set 25-23. The Bearkats would take the fourth set 25-23.

The Sugar Bears would claim their victory over Sam Houston in the fifth set, winning 15-13. Central Arkansas stands at 1-0 with their first conference win of the season.

Looking ahead, the Bearkats will host Northwestern State University at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 4. at Johnson Coliseum.