SAN ANTONIO — The Sam Houston volleyball team closed day one of the UTSA tournament with sweep over Central Arkansas on Friday at the Convocation Center.  

The Bearkats (4-4) opened with 3-1 loss to Alabama and finished the night with a sweep against former Southland Conference foe Central Arkansas.   

Alabama 3, Sam Houston 1 

The Bearkats lost in four sets against the Crimson Tide 25-21, 10-25, 25-20, 25-21.    
 
Lylah Washington led the team with 14 kills, and Alyssa Fielder was close behind with 13. Hannah Baker led the team with 42 digs, and Avery Fowler had 40 assists, 14 digs and two aces.  

The Bearkats bounced back after dropping the first set, jumping out to an 8-1 lead early in the second. Sam Houston shut down the Crimson Tide, taking the set 25-10. However, the Tide rallied to win the match. 

Sam Houston 3, Central Arkansas 0 

Sam Houston dominated Central Arkansas in straight sets 25-12, 25-20, 25-22.  

The Bearkat freshmen had a party in game two. Lillian Hamilton led the match with 12 kills. Chelsea Butler had two kills and three blocks while Kara Wynn and Sameena Burns also had some offensive action.  

Avery Fowler led the team with 32 assists and had two aces. Lylah Washington had 10 points including three aces, four kills and two blocks.  

Sam Houston will take on host UTSA on Saturday at 2 p.m. to close out the tournament.