Starkville, Mississippi, September 2, 2025
News Summary
The University of North Alabama volleyball team concluded their participation in the Maroon & White Invite with a match against Mississippi State, resulting in a 3-0 loss. Despite this setback, the Lions finished the tournament with a commendable record of 2-1, having achieved victories over Grambling State and Southeast Missouri. Key contributions came from players like Kendall Barnes and Reese Ricketts with their impressive offensive performance. The team looks forward to their next match against Alabama A&M, as they aim to sustain their competitive momentum.
Starkville, Mississippi – The University of North Alabama volleyball team wrapped up their participation in the Maroon & White Invite with a match against Mississippi State on August 31, 2025, finishing with a setback of 3-0. Despite the loss, the Lions left the tournament with a respectable record of 2-1, marked by earlier wins against Grambling State and Southeast Missouri.
In their final match, junior Kendall Barnes and sophomore Reese Ricketts were key offensive players, each recording seven kills. The team also saw impressive plays from sophomore Kinslee McGowan, who delivered 21 assists and contributed significantly with two service aces. On the defensive side, junior Ava Martindale tallied 14 digs.
During the match against Mississippi State, the first set was tightly contested, with North Alabama initially holding a 9-6 lead. However, they were unable to maintain this advantage, ultimately losing the set 25-23 after a strong comeback from the Bulldogs. The second set saw Mississippi State dominate early, establishing a 5-1 lead before winning decisively 25-12. The Bulldogs continued their momentum into the third set, securing the match with a 25-16 victory.
Looking ahead, the North Alabama Lions are set to travel to Alabama A&M for their next match on September 2, 2025, scheduled to start at 6 p.m.. This match is particularly significant as it signifies the continuation of the 2025 regular season, which began for the Lions on August 30, 2025, with their first victory against Grambling State.
The Maroon & White Invite took place at the Newell-Grissom Building on the campus of Mississippi State and included four teams: North Alabama, Grambling State, Southeast Missouri, and Mississippi State. North Alabama’s previous victories during the tournament were achieved on the same day against Grambling State and Southeast Missouri. The Lions will be aiming to build on their performance from the previous season, in which they achieved a 15-15 overall record and made their second consecutive appearance in the ASUN Tournament.
Key returners for the Lions include Reese Ricketts, who was honored as the ASUN Freshman of the Year last season. On the other side, Alabama A&M recorded an 8-20 overall record last season, with the expectation of significant contributions in the upcoming games from players such as Fatima Ramirez, who led the team in points and kills.
Historically, the North Alabama Lions hold an advantageous record against Alabama A&M, having won four of their last five encounters. The upcoming match is anticipated to be an important one as the Lions aim to maintain their winning streak against the Bulldogs.
FAQ Section
What was the outcome of the North Alabama Volleyball team’s final match in the Maroon & White Invite?
North Alabama lost to Mississippi State with a score of 3-0.
What was North Alabama’s overall record in the Maroon & White Invite?
The Lions finished the tournament with a record of 2-1.
Who were the standout players in the match against Mississippi State?
Junior Kendall Barnes and sophomore Reese Ricketts led the offense with seven kills each, while Kinslee McGowan had 21 assists.
When will North Alabama play their next match?
The Lions are scheduled to play Alabama A&M on September 2, 2025, at 6 p.m.
How did North Alabama fared in the previous season?
North Alabama finished with a record of 15-15 and made their second consecutive ASUN tournament appearance.
Match Results Summary
| Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|
| North Alabama vs Mississippi State | Loss | 0-3 |
| North Alabama vs Grambling State | Win | 3-0 |
| North Alabama vs Southeast Missouri | Win | 3-0 |
Next Match Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama A&M | September 2, 2025 | 6 p.m. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Roar Lions News
- C Dispatch Sports
- Starkville School District News
- MaxPreps News
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
