CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University women's volleyball team will travel to California for a trio of matches. SUU first takes the court on Friday, Sept. 1 against Portland State at 12 p.m. MT, followed by a match later against Saint Mary's at 8 p.m. MT. The Thunderbirds wrap up their trip on Saturday, Sept. 2 against California at 3 p.m. MT.
MATCH SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 1
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Southern Utah vs. Portland State, 12 p.m. MT
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Southern Utah vs. Saint Mary's, 8 p.m. MT
Saturday, Sept. 2
COACH KACEY NADY SAYS
"We are excited to refine some things we've been working on since last weekend. We will be facing some good competition and we are looking forward to being challenged."
T-BIRD TIDBITS
LAST TIME OUT
The 'Runners took a 8-3 lead to begin the match. Southern Utah rallied to get within one, 11-10, midway through the set. Cal State Bakersfield extended its lead with a 6-2 sprint. SUU replied with four consecutive points to cut the 'Runners lead to a single point, 17-16. The two squads traded blows, with CSU Bakersfield narrowly clinching the set 25-23.
The second set was highly competitive, with the two squads finding themselves tied at 10-10 midway through the set. The 'Runners used a 6-0 run to retake the lead. Molly McDermott sparked the offense with two kills, helping the Thunderbirds jump ahead with an 8-0 run (18-16). Cal State Bakersfield fought back to tie the set at 19-19 towards the end of the set. Madison Walker and Andrea Spasojevic each poured in two kills to fuel SUU to a 25-21 set victory.
Southern Utah held an 8-7 lead early in set three. The 'Runners bounced back with a 7-1 sprint to take a five point advantage (14-9). CSU Bakersfield never looked back, taking the set 25-20.
The Thunderbirds came out strong to start the fourth set, taking a 9-8 advantage. Cal State Bakersfield pulled away in the end, claiming the set 25-14 and the match 3-1.
PREVIEW
PORTLAND STATE VIKINGS
Portland State comes into the weekend with a 2-1 record. The Vikings fell to Kansas State in the season opener before defeating Cal State Fullerton and San Diego State.
Gabby Hollins proves to be a scoring threat, averaging 3.75 kills per set. Ella Hartford (5.70) and VaiLin Tagaloa (4.90) lead the team in assists per set.
SAINT MARY'S GAELS
The Gaels own a 3-0 record after defeating Manhattan College, Utah Tech, and Weber State at the Wildcat Invitation last week.
Kjersti Strong headlines the offense with 3.30 kills per set. Saint Mary's relies on two setters to distribute the ball, with Ella Sandt passing out 6.42 assists each game and while Hailee Garcia is not far behind with an average of 6.00 assists a set. Clarissa Klein comes up big for the defense with 1.08 blocks a set.
CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
Cal has been off to a great start this season, earning a 3-0 record after defeating Army, Farfield, and Central Connecticut State in convincing fashion.
Maggie Li leads the attack for the Bears, averaging 3.40 kills per set. Annalea Maeder finds her teammates each game, dishing out 9.20 assists a set. Mikayla Hayden shows up on the defensive end, totaling 1.20 blocks each set.
HISTORY
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Portland State leads the series versus SUU 14-6. The last match took place in 2021, where the Vikings won in four sets.
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The Thunderbirds and Gaels have only faced twice, with the all-time series tied 1-1.
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California has only played Southern Utah once, winning the only matchup 3-0 in 2016.
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