MonticelloLive

Maegan Martin (Jr., Burnet, Texas) broke the University of Arkansas at Monticello career record for games played as the Cotton Blossoms (2-0) opened their 2007 season by sweeping past Cameron and St. Mary’s, beating Cameron 3-0 and then topping tournament host St. Mary’s 3-1 on the opening day of the St. Mary’s/Texas MedClinic Invitational.

The Blossoms topped Cameron 30-27, 30-28, 30-28. Kameshia Melton (Sr., Grapevine, Texas) led all players with 13 kills and a .524 hitting percentage. Martin dished out 33 assists, while MacKenzie Willis (Jr., Andrews, Texas) led UAM with nine digs. Nicole Ferguson (So., Brentwood, Tenn.) led the Blossoms with six service aces.

In the finale, the Cotton Blossoms won the opening game 30-26, but dropped a 30-22 decision to St. Mary’s to even the match at a game apiece. UAM pulled ahead 2-1 with a 31-29 victory in the third game, and clinched the match with
a 30-24 victory in the fourth game.

The Rattlers’ Samantha Weber led all players with 18 kills, while Willis led UAM with 14 kills. Taura Rush (Jr., Joseph City, Ariz.) added 12 kills in the winning effort. Martin dished out 43 assists, tying the Rattlers’ Courtney
Matula for the game high. Stephanie Hatten (Fr., Baytown, Texas) led UAM with 17 digs, while Rush and Martin added 11 and 10 digs, respectively. Sara Kindred (So., Frisco, Texas) led UAM with a .562 hitting percentage, notching
nine kills with no hitting errors.

The Cotton Blossoms return to action Saturday, facing Indiana (Pa.) and #12 Central Missouri. Saturday’s opening match will be played at 12:30 p.m.