ARKADELPHIA, Ark. --- Mississippi College edged out Arkansas-Fort Smith in a thrilling five-set match at Sturgis PE Center on the campus of Ouachita Baptist University, on Friday, Sept. 12. The win improved MC to 2-3 on the season while the Lions moved to 3-3

MC started the first set strongly, opening with a 2-0 lead after an attack error by Bree Pardy and a kill from Meg Paparella, setting the tone early. Reese Regner played a pivotal role, contributing multiple assists, including key connections with Mary Grace Foster, who delivered crucial points to sustain the momentum. As the set progressed, MC weathered a comeback attempt from the Lions, who leveled the score at 24-24, before Ellie Foco and Holland Williams combined for a decisive block, and Paparella sealed the 26-24 victory with a final kill.

UAFS took control in the second set, ultimately securing a 25-21 victory against the Choctaws. The Blue and Gold began the set with a promising start, opening with a 7-2 run featuring crucial blocks by Foster and Williams. Despite a series of service errors and attack errors, MC kept the score tight, with Rhaia Davey and Emma Levingston contributing key kills to prevent UAFS from pulling away. The set saw UAFS capitalize on MC's errors during a critical stretch to build a lead, which the Choctaws could not overcome despite late efforts from Williams and Paparella.

The third set began with a back-and-forth exchange of points until the Choctaws gained momentum with consecutive points from Foster and Levingston, pushing the score to 6-4. Despite some service errors from UAFS, MC capitalized on their opponents' mistakes and maintained a slight lead with key plays by Davey and Paparella, tying the score 11-11. As the set reached a tense conclusion, MC surged ahead from a 19-18 lead, thanks to a decisive kill by Felicity Pratt and a service ace by Regner, ultimately securing a 25-22 victory.

The fourth set began with a balanced exchange of points, as Foster and Williams provided early kills for the Choctaws. Despite several service errors from Arkansas-Fort Smith, they capitalized on a series of points to build a 13-7 lead. The Blue and Gold responded with a strong sequence, including a service ace by Paparella, narrowing the gap to 13-11. However, the Lions pulled away, aided by a service ace and consistent attacking from Breanna Smith, ultimately securing a 25-16 set win.

The final set of the match featured a dramatic turnaround led by Regner's pivotal performance for MC. The set began with Paparella landing a kill assisted by Regner, setting the tone for a closely contested set. Despite UAFS momentarily pulling ahead 13-10, the Blue and Gold responded vigorously, with Regner delivering three consecutive service aces, shifting momentum decisively. Foster sealed the victory with a kill assisted by Regner, giving MC a narrow 15-13 win in the set and the match.

Foster contributed significantly with 13 kills and 18 assists, adding one ace and 11 digs to her performance. Davey matched her offensive efforts with 13 kills and three block assists, finishing with 14.5 points. Regner distributed a career-high 30 assists and recorded four service aces, enhancing the team's setup and serve game. Samarin Kipple anchored the defense with 19 digs, providing crucial support in the back row.

The next challenge for MC awaits in Arkadelphia, Ark., where they will face Henderson State University. This matchup is set for Saturday, Sept. 13, with first serve at 9 a.m. The Choctaws will look to secure a victory on the road.

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- First meeting between MC and UAFS

- First five-set, neutral site victory since Oct. 20, 2023 (v. Saint Leo)
- Last five-set victory was Sept. 6, 2024 (at Ouachita Baptist)