CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University volleyball team hosted in-state rival Utah Tech on Saturday, winning their first conference game in a decisive four set victory.

The Trailblazers jumped out to an early 7-2 lead to kick off the first set. The Thunderbirds would rally from an early deficit to get the score within two points (10-8), but Utah Tech would go on a run to stretch their lead to nine points (21-12). Southern Utah would make the set competitive again with a 5-0 run of their own, but it was too little, too late. The Trailblazers took the first set 25-20.

Southern Utah looked to bounce back in the second set, starting strong by building a 3-0 lead. The lead wouldn't hold for long, however, as Utah Tech stole the momentum back, catapulting themselves ahead by scoring nine unanswered points, taking a six point lead (9-3). The Trailblazers maintained their advantage, keeping the Thunderbirds at bay as the match reached its midway point. The situation began to look dire when Utah Tech took a 18-11 lead, eyeing another set victory. Southern Utah responded, thanks in large part to Molly McDermott. McDermott had her fingerprints all over set two, scoring five of her 10 kills in the set. The onslaught of Thunderbird points began to pour in, culminating in a Raegen Beeson kill to set up a 25-24 score, set point for the T-Birds. Sarah Gasper set up the final play perfectly, finding a scorching hot Molly McDermott for the kill, seizing the second set with a score of 26-24.

The Thunderbirds didn't slow down to begin set three, building a 4-1 advantage. This set proved to be a true battle, with neither team seeming able to maintain a lead for long. The Trailblazers never backed down, playing exceptional volleyball to take a slim lead over the Thunderbirds (12-10). A 6-1 run by Southern Utah stole the lead back, but not for long, as Utah Tech answered the run with three consecutive points to tie the set at 16 points apiece. Rylee Achtzehn recorded her fourth kill of the set to tie things up once again at 19-19. Utah Tech scored once more, now standing a mere five points away from a set victory (20-19). When the lights were the brightest, it was the Thunderbirds who shone, mounting a 5-1 run to inch closer to taking a 2-1 set advantage. Macy Short executed to perfection, feeding Makenzie Templeton for the final kill, taking the third set 25-22.

The fourth set was a nailbiter, as the two squads played an intensely close game. The Trailblazers took a narrow lead (7-6), but it wouldn't last long. What ensued next was a series of runs from both teams. The Thunderbirds scored three straight, followed by the Trailblazers firing off three points of their own, just for Southern Utah to respond with another 3-0 run, highlighted by a huge kill from Rylee Achtzehn to give SUU a 12-10 lead. After Utah Tech tied the game once more, the Thunderbirds fired on all cylinders, scoring six of the next nine points to take a 18-15 lead. Utah Tech never gave up, clawing back into the game with some kills of their own, trailing by just one late in the set (20-19). Southern Utah remained calm and collected under the pressure, synergizing as a team to set up match point (24-22). Utah Tech scored the next point, and was desperate for another to keep the match alive. With the game on the line, Macy Short set up Makenzie Templeton the following play, who delivered a powerful hit to win the set 25-23, and the match 3-1.

The win was a total team effort, with many T-Birds chipping in. Rylee Achtzehn proved again why she is a prolific scorer, leading the Thunderbirds with 12 kills. The clutch play of Makenzie Templeton was on display today, who recorded 10 kills, including two set clinching hits to win the third and fourth sets. Molly McDermott was versatile today, playing fantastic offense and defense by totaling 9 kills and team-high 21 digs. 

With the win over the rival Trailblazers, the Thunderbirds improve to 1-1 in conference play.

Up Next

The Thunderbirds will be back on the road for a match against New Mexico State on Thursday. The game is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. MT.

Follow Us

Stay up to date on the Thunderbird Volleyball program by following @SUUVolleyball on Twitter and Instagram and liking the Southern Utah Volleyball page on Facebook.