Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – Kambree Lucas had 14 kills and AG Vandagriff added 11, but Eastern Kentucky University lost to Louisiana, 3-0, on Saturday at the StarkVegas Classic in Starkville, Mississippi.
 
Lucas and Vandagriff earned spots on the StarkVegas Classic All-Tournament Team.  Lucas averaged a team-high 3.90 kills per set while hitting .299 in three matches.  She also contributed 3.10 digs per set.  Vandagriff charted 2.70 kills and 0.50 blocks per set.
 
The Colonels (1-2) were down just three in the first set when a kill from Lucas made it 15-12 in favor of the Ragin' Cajuns.  However, EKU never got any closer as Louisiana won 25-18.
 
Another kill from Lucas early in the second set gave the Colonels a 7-3 lead.  A kill from Celeste Darling and an EKU error capped a 7-3 Louisiana run that tied the set 10-10.  A kill by Vandagriff broke a 16-16 tie, but the Ragin' Cajuns scored three straight and led the rest of the way.  Shyia Richardson closed out the 25-20 win with a kill.
 
In an attempt to keep the match going, Eastern Kentucky University jumped out to an 8-4 lead in the third set.  A kill from Lucas pushed the lead to five, 12-7.  However, the Ragin' Cajuns scored nine of the next 11 points to swing ahead 16-14.  Mio Yamamoto's ace ended the set 25-20 and completed the Louisiana sweep.
 
Lucas hit .257, finishing with 14 kills and five errors in 35 attempts.  She also had seven digs and a block assist.  Vandagriff made just two errors in 20 attempts for a .450 attack percentage.  Chloe Mason had 18 assists and five digs.
 
Richardson led all players with 17 kills, and hit .406, for Louisiana (2-0).
 
EKU will return to action on Friday at the 2023 Miami/Best Western Invitational in Oxford, Ohio.  The Colonels will play Florida Atlantic on Friday at 3:30 p.m.  On Saturday, EKU takes on Cleveland State at 2 p.m. and Miami (Ohio) at 6:30 p.m.