PINE BLUFF --- The University of Arkansas at Monticello Cotton Blossoms (7-9) picked up a pair of wins in a tri-match held on the campus of the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, downing UAPB 3-0 and then topping Jackson State 3-2.

   In the opener against UAPB, the Blossoms rolled to 30-16, 30-16, and 30-22 wins. Senior Kameshia Melton (Grapevine, Texas) led all players with 13 kills, while junior MacKenzie Willis (Andrews, Texas) added 12. Junior Maegan Martin (Burnet, Texas) dished out 32 assists while freshman Stephanie Hatten (Baytown, Texas) led all players with 15 digs. Martin also contributed ten digs and five service aces.

   In the finale against Jackson State, the Lady Tigers raced out to a 2-0 match lead after winning the opening games 30-25 and 30-27. The Cotton Blossoms responded by winning games three and four 30-26 and 30-28 before picking up a 15-11 victory in the fifth and deciding game.

   Junior Taura Rush (Joseph City, Ariz.) led UAM with 25 kills, while Melton added 17, Willis added 15 and sophomore Nicole Ferguson (Brentwood, Tenn.) added 10. Martin dished out a match-best 64 assists, while Hatten led all players with 32 digs. Four other Cotton Blossoms posted double-digit digs, as Willis added 17, Martin and Rush both added 14, and freshman Vikki Crisco (Saginaw, Texas) added ten.