Conway, Ark. - Friday was a day of firsts for the Hendrix Warriors. It was their 2023 home opener at Grove Gymnasium. It was their opening match of the 2023 Hendrix Warriors Invitational. It was their first Southern Athletic Association (SAA) matchup of the season. And it was their first SAA win of the season.

Hendrix defeated I-40 rivals Rhodes 3-1 on Friday evening to improve to 4-4 (1-0 SAA) on the year.

The Warriors won the first set 25-16 in dominating fashion, leading by as many as 10 at one point. The second set would be a different affair. After trading blows, and the score at 20-20, Rhodes went on a four-point run to set up a set point opportunity. However, Hendrix would storm back to take the next 6 points and clinch the set.

The Warriors looked set for the sweep as they led 23-18 in the third set, but Rhodes would respond with a 6 point run of their own. Hendrix would fight off set point to win the next two points, making the score 24-23, but they could not convert their own set point opportunity. They wound up conceding the next 3 points to give the Lynx the set and a lifeline.

Hendrix learned the hard way how not putting away teams when they had the chance can come back to hurt later last weekend versus Whitman, and were not set on that happening again. The Warriors jumped out to a 19-4 lead in the fourth set and would not look back, finishing off the Lynx 25-10 to secure the win.

Camryn Kennedy and Camryn Presley combined for 28 kills, while Carys Shock added 6 of her own. The Warriors were well-rounded offensively and saw timely contributions from multiple players, including Kyler Greenlee, whose 7 service aces helped spark and maintain several Hendrix runs.

The Warriors will be back in action tomorrow as they host Centenary in their second match of the Hendrix Warriors Invitational. The match is set to start at 5:00 PM in Grove Gymnasium.