HUNTSVILLE ? Carli Kolbe and Haley Thomas each had 12 kills as Sam Houston State fell to Central Arkansas in four sets in a Southland Conference volleyball match at Johnson Coliseum Thursday night.

The Bears lost the first set but rallied to win the match 24-26 25-23 25-21 25-14. Central Arkansas, the team that stands in first place in the Southland Conference East Division, now stands 19-7 for the season and 11-4 in league action.

Sam Houston State stands 13-18 for the year and 8-7 in Southland play.

Jessica Hays led the Bears with 13 kills. UCA totaled 48 kills to 45 for the Bearkats.

After eight ties in the first set, Central Arkansas took control to build a 24-19 lead. But Sam Houston won the next seven points in a row to win the opening frame. Thomas made the kill on set point.

Central Arkansas never trailed in the match again, building large leads in each of the final three sets then holding off  Bearkat rallies.

Anna Ferguson totaled eight kills and Launa McClung added five for Sam Houston. Chloe Smith posted nine kills for UCA.

Sam Houston State will close out the regular season with “Senior Day” ceremonies on Saturday at 2 p.m. when the Bearkats play host to Northwestern State at 2 p.m.

Thomas and setter Megan McNamara are the only two seniors on the 2008 Sam Houston squad.