CEDAR CITY, Utah – The Southern Utah University women's volleyball team will head to Nevada to take on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. MT.
MATCH INFO
Southern Utah vs. UNLV
Date: Sept. 12, 2023
Start Time: 7:30 p.m. MT.
Live Stream | Live Stats
COACH KACEY NADY SAYS
"UNLV has many seasoned attackers who have found success in their challenging preseason schedule so far. We are looking forward to this matchup to show no matter what team we face, we are prepared to battle."
TOP T-BIRDS
LAST TIME OUT
Southern Utah exploded out the gates to start the match, taking an 11-3 lead. Fresno State battled back, using an 8-2 burst to cut the 'Birds lead to only two (13-11). SUU was able to keep Fresno State at bay, as it held a 23-21 advantage late in the set. Teniyah Leuluai connected with Hana Makonova, who hammered home the final two kills for the 'Birds to claim a 25-22 victory in set one.
The second set was a tight affair. After Southern Utah built a 14-10 lead midway through, Fresno State was able to charge ahead with an 11-4 sprint to go in front 21-18. The Bulldogs would go on to take the second set 25-20.
Neither squad could gain the advantage to start set three, with the score being tied at 7-7 early on. The Bulldogs claimed five of the next seven points to jump ahead briefly, but the Thunderbirds fired off a 4-0 run to reclaim a one point lead (13-12). Carissa Richie added three kills to spark a 7-4 burst to stretch Southern Utah's lead to 20-16. The Bulldogs wouldn't surrender, scoring six unanswered points to retake the lead (22-20). Southern Utah responded with a run of its own, scoring six of the final eight points to seize the third set 26-24.
Fresno State took a 13-8 lead midway through the fourth set. Molly McDermott and Madison Walker each poured in four kills for the T-Birds, but it wasn't enough as the Bulldogs would take set four 25-20, tying the match at 2-2.
The Thunderbirds came out strong to begin the fifth and final set. SUU claimed six of the first eight points to take a 6-2 advantage. The Bulldogs rallied to get within two (8-6), but that was as close as they would get. The 'Birds were dominant down the stretch as they scored seven straight points to earn a 15-6 victory in set five, winning the match 3-2.
SCOUTING REPORT: UNLV RUNNIN' REBELS
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The Rebels are led by head coach Malia Shoji, who is in her first year with the program.
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UNLV owns a 4-4 overall record heading into Tuesday's matchup against SUU.
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Isabel Martin powers the Rebels offense with 4.32 kills a set. Arien Fafard is able to find her teammates in the right spots, adding 7.74 assists each set.
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Defensively, Caleigh King tallies 3.32 digs per set for the Rebels.
HISTORY
UNLV leads the all-time series 3-0.
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