CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University women's volleyball team heads to St. George to take on in-state rival Utah Tech on Monday, Oct. 2. The match is slated to begin at 6 p.m. MT.

MATCH INFO

Southern Utah vs. Utah Tech

• Date: Monday, Oct. 2

• Start Time: 6 p.m. MT

• Live Stream | Live Stats

HEAD COACH KACEY NADY SAYS

"The built-in rivalry SUU has with Utah Tech is fun. It was a battle in both matches last year and I expect the same this year. They have many weapons that can't be ignored; it will go well when we are disciplined in defense and play our game tomorrow."

TOP T-BIRDS

• Andrea Spasojevic (2.44), Hana Makonova (2.04), and Natasha Obradovic (2.00) lead the Thunderbirds in kills per set.

• Teniyah Leuluai records 7.81 assists per game, ranking seventh overall in the Western Athletic Conference.

• Spasojevic (3.25), Arianna Rossi (2.74), and Calli Johnson (2.51) fuel the defensive effort, leading the squad in digs per set.

• Hana Makonova ranks ninth in the conference in hitting percentage with .311.

• Molly McDermott ranks eighth in the WAC in aces with 0.40 per set.

LAST TIME OUT

Southern Utah vs. UTRGV

UTRGV jumped out to a 5-0 advantage to begin the match. Natasha Obradovic provided the answer for the Thunderbirds, pouring in four kills to cut the lead to only two (7-5). The Vaqueros used a 7-2 burst to take a 14-7 lead midway through the set. Southern Utah didn't fold, scoring seven of the next eight points to get within one, 15-14. The two squads took turns scoring points, with the Vaqueros owning a 20-19 lead, but that was the closest the Thunderbirds would get. UTRGV would go on to claim the set 25-21.

The Vaqueros started hot once more, going up 6-2 early in the second set. Andrea Spasojevic provided two kills and a block to jumpstart a 8-4 run that tied the score at 10-10. The Thunderbirds stayed aggressive, with Molly McDermott and Obradovic each scoring a kill that helped SUU take a 15-12 advantage. A balanced scoring effort from the 'Birds allowed them to stay in front 22-21. However, the Vaqueros managed to pull ahead and narrowly take the set 25-23.

The two squads matched each other point for point to start set three, as they found themselves tied at 6-6. Hana Makonova and Spasojevic each added kills to keep the Thunderbirds within striking distance (14-13), but the Vaqueros used a 7-0 burst to take a commanding 21-13 lead. UTRGV went on to seize the set 25-17 and the match 3-0.

SCOUTING REPORT: UTAH TECH TRAILBLAZERS

• Utah Tech is coached by Camilla Hafoka, who is in her third year with the program.

• The Trailblazers own a 4-9 overall record with a 0-3 effort in Western Athletic Conference play.

• Kennedi Knudsen (2.92) and Hannah Howard (2.65) lead the attack for the Trailblazers with over two kills per set.

• Taela Laufiso dishes out 7.71 assists each set.

• Emma Ricks hustles defensively, racking up 3.23 digs a set.

HISTORY

• The Thunderbirds own a 3-2 series lead against the Trailblazers. Southern Utah emerged victorious in both meetings last season.

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