Referee labels volleyball coach “unsportsmanlike” in loss to Central Arkansas
No. 7 ranked Lions were defeated 3-1 Wednesday in an ASUN match versus No. 2 ranked Central Arkansas.
A Florence-wide power outage occurred prior to the match, delaying it an hour. The late start did not impact team performance, however. Outside hitter Kendall Barnes reached 500 career kills and concluded the match with 15. Sophomore Reese Ricketts led with 19 kills and three aces. Libero Ava Martindale secured 22 digs and setter Kinslee McGowan led in assists with 44.
McGowan described how she thought the team performed during the match.
“I thought we came out a little bit slow,” McGowan said. “But ultimately, I was proud of everyone for the way we fought back.”
There were numerous challenges between the teams. One referee labeled head coach Tristan Johnson’s behavior unsportsmanlike but refused to explain how.
Johnson noted how he stays calm in situations when the referee’s calls are not so accurate.
“I do think that there were a few [calls] that obviously I didn’t agree with,” Johnson said. “But at the end of the day, they’re not here to pick and choose who they think should or shouldn’t win. They’re just here to do their job.”
The match opened evenly before Central Arkansas pulled ahead midway through the first set to secure a 25-20 win. Ricketts delivered nine kills in the second set, but the Sugar Bears maintained control from start to finish for a 25-19 victory. The Lions fought back in an intense third set by running and diving every play. They consequently had a 10-0 run to claim the set 25-19. Despite another late push from UNA, Central Arkansas held firm in the fourth and ended the game 25-20.
Despite the loss, Johnson credited the team’s resilience so far this season.
“I’ve been impressed with their effort all season,” Johnson said. “It’s a really hard-working team, and they’re a great group of girls. They want to win and I don’t question that.”
The Lions resume conference play Nov. 2 at home against North Florida at 1 p.m.
