The University of Arkansas at Monticello's Cotton Blossoms (11-19) dropped a pair of matches at the UAM Classic, falling 3-1 to Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras and then dropping a 3-1 decision to Montevallo in the tournament finale.

   In the opening match against Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras, the Blossoms fell 30-26 in the opening game, but rallied to tie the match with a 30-23 win in game two. UPR took the match after winning games three and four 30-25 and 30-23.

   Junior Taura Rush (Joseph City, Ariz.) led UAM with 13 kills. Sophomore Nicole Ferguson (Brentwood, Tenn.) added 12 and sophomore Sara Kindred (Frisco, Texas) added 10. Junior Maegan Martin (Burnet, Texas) dished out 45 assists, while freshman Stephanie Hatten (Baytown, Texas) led UAM with 22 digs. Martin and junior MacKenzie Willis (Andrews, Texas) both added 14 digs, while freshman Vikki Crisco (Saginaw, Texas) added 12.

   In the final match, after topping Montevallo 30-20 in the opening contest, the Blossoms fell 30-28, 30-28 and 30-23 in the final three games.

   Ferguson led UAM with 17 kills, while Rush added 12. Martin dished our 42 assists and tied Hatten for the team lead with 15 digs. Willis added 14 digs and Rush added 10 in the loss.

   The Cotton Blossoms returned to action Tuesday, Oct. 30.