UCA Sugar Bears Fall to SMU in NCAA First Round

Dallas, TX – Central Arkansas’ postseason run came to a close Friday evening in Dallas, as the Sugar Bears fell 3–0 to SMU inside Moody Coliseum in the NCAA First Round. Despite the tough matchup, UCA continued to show the grit and unity that carried them through an 18–12 season and a strong 12–4 conference run.

SMU’s offensive firepower set the tone early, with the Mustangs hitting an impressive .618 as a team while holding Central Arkansas to .104. UCA fought for momentum across all three sets, but SMU’s blocking presence and clean attacking left little room for long scoring runs.

Offensively, the Sugar Bears were paced by Laci Bohannan with 7 kills, followed by Gabby Tuiaana with 5 kills, while Greyson Button and Vivian Spradlin each delivered efficient swings. Defensively, Alexis McDaniel anchored the back row with 8 digs, and setter Caylan Koons spread out 13 assists while attempting to navigate SMU’s pressure.

Though the result wasn’t what UCA hoped for, the season as a whole told a much bigger story—a team reshaping its identity, strengthening its culture, and raising expectations for what comes next.

After the match, Head Coach John Newberry reflected on the significance of this group, saying:

“This senior class have changed my career because they knew the culture needed and they brought it. They bought into this program.” — Coach John Newberry

His words echo the heart of what defined the Sugar Bears in 2025: a commitment to growth, unity, and belief in the standard they set for themselves.

As Central Arkansas closes the chapter on this season, the foundation laid by this team—and the culture they embraced—positions the program for an even stronger future.

   

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