BOISE, Idaho - The Southern Utah University volleyball team played their third and final game of the Boise State Classic earlier today. The Thunderbirds faced the Butler Bulldogs, falling in three sets.

The first set was a back and forth affair, with the two squads splitting the first ten points of the game. A kill from Andreanna McKee gave the Thunderbirds a narrow 11-10 lead, and an attack error from the other team extended the Thunderbirds lead to two points. The game was a close contest until Butler went on a 11-3 run to take a commanding 21-15 lead. The Bulldogs never looked back, taking the set with a score of 25-21.

The Thunderbirds came out strong to begin the second set, matching the Bulldogs every move to tie the game at 6-6. This was the closest the T-Birds would get, however, as Butler played exceptionally well to build a ten point lead late in the set (21-11). Southern Utah refused to give up, as they rallied to get within four points, but it was too little, too late. Butler claimed the second set 25-20.

Butler continued their strong play in the third set, jumping out to an early 5-1 lead. Carissa Richie was huge for the T-Birds, recording four kills in the set, but it wasn't enough. Butler kept the Thunderbirds at bay, seizing the set and the match 25-16.

Despite the loss, many T-Birds showcased their talent against the Bulldogs. Andreanna McKee earned special honors, being named to the All-Tournament team. McKee served for two aces, and recorded six kills vs Butler, second overall on the team behind Carissa Richie (7). Senior Raegen Beeson showed up on the defensive side of the game, totaling four blocks over the course of the game.

Up Next

The Thunderbirds will return to Cedar City for a matchup against UNLV on Friday. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. MT.

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