{slimbox images/slimbox/2009-10-15/06-2.jpg,images/slimbox/2009-10-15/06-2thumb.jpg,Ashlynn Hamrick a junior right side hitter goes for the kill during the 80's night themed game against UAM.}

Kera Dukic recorded 44 assists and nine digs, while Ashlynn Hamrick racked up 16 kills in a losing effort against Arkansas-Monticello. The struggling Cotton Blossoms walked into Tucker Coliseum as underdogs, but left with a stunning sweep of the favored Golden Suns.

The Cotton Blossoms would take a hard-fought first set. Tech found itself down early and trailed by five at 13-18. The Golden Suns would not go quietly, and would tie the game at 23-23. However, UAM held off the late surge by Tech and come out on top by a final count of 23-25.

The second set would follow a similar script. The Golden Suns would strike first, but staunch defense from the Cotton Blossoms helped UAM pull away to a 12-21 advantage. Tech would claw back into the game, cutting the deficit to 20-24, but it again would prove to be too little too late as the Suns fell 20-25.

The Golden Suns would make their most valiant effort in the third set, but the storyline would remain unchanged. Again, Tech fell into a hole early, trailing 13-21.

The Golden Suns came storming back to tie the game 21-21 and seemed to have turned the tables. However, Tech failed on three set points and was eventually beaten 28-30 to complete the sweep for UAM.

Tech’s usually dominant middle blockers were frustrated all night, as a stalwart defensive performance from the Cotton Blossoms kept the Golden Suns from capping off any of their comeback efforts.

Sarah Von Lienen and Laura Farney finished the match with 12 and 11 kills respectively, the majority of which came in the extended third and final set.

Marcela Mascarenhas posted 14 kills while Brennae Benda added another 13.

The loss ends a two-match winning streak for Tech and drops its GSC record to 3-2. The Suns are currently tied for third in the West Division with the Cotton Blossoms.

The Golden Suns will look to return to their winning ways tonight in Tucker Coliseum as Tech takes on the Tigers of Ouachita Baptist. The contest begins at 7 p.m.