CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University women's volleyball program kicks off Western Athletic Conference (WAC) play with two home matches this week. First, SUU will host Grand Canyon on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. MT. Then, the Thunderbirds will take on California Baptist on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 12 p.m. MT.

MATCH INFO

Southern Utah vs. Grand Canyon

• Date: Thursday, Sept. 21

• Start Time: 6:30 p.m. MT.

• Live Stream | Live Stats

Southern Utah vs. California Baptist

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 23

• Start Time: 12 p.m. MT.

• Live Stream | Live Stats

COACH KACEY NADY SAYS

"We feel last week was a big stepping stone and are ready to take on a well-balanced GCU team. We are excited for homecoming week and to have our alumni back supporting our match vs CBU."

TOP T-BIRDS

• The Thunderbirds utilize a balanced attack with Andrea Spasojevic (2.45), Hana Makonova (2.05), Natasha Obradovic (2.00), and Molly McDermott (2.00) all averaging two kills per set.

• Teniyah Leuluai orchestrates the offense to the tune of 7.89 assists each set. Leuluai ranks sixth overall in the WAC in assists.

• Spasojevic (3.11), Calli Johnson (2.84), and Arianna Rossi (2.57) hustle on the defensive end, leading the squad in digs per set.

LAST TIME OUT

Southern Utah vs. Idaho

Southern Utah took a 7-3 lead to begin the match. The 'Birds stayed aggressive, relying on three kills from Andrea Spasojevic to mount a 10-4 run to push the lead to 17-7. Idaho attempted a late comeback, getting within four points (24-20) near the end of the set. The Thunderbirds never faltered, as they would go on to clinch the set 25-20.

Hana Makonova added two blocks and a kill to help Southern Utah jump out to an 8-3 lead in the second set. After the Vandals fought back to tie the set at 10-10, the 'Birds scored six of the next eight points to stay in front 16-12. Idaho rushed back with a 4-1 run to trim the lead to a single point (17-16). Southern Utah fired back, storming ahead with a ferocious 8-0 burst to clinch the set 25-16.

The Thunderbirds got off to a hot start once again, building a 6-2 advantage early in set three. Idaho came alive to briefly go up 11-10 midway through the set, but the Thunderbirds maintained composure. Molly McDermott sparked the offense with two big kills to initiate a 6-0 run that put SUU back in front by five (16-11). The Vandals wouldn't go away as they trimmed the 'Birds lead to only 19-18 late in the set. Southern Utah responded, as Spasojevic poured in three more kills to fuel a 6-1 run to win the set 25-19 and the match 3-0.

SCOUTING REPORT

GRAND CANYON ANTELOPES

• Grand Canyon is led by head coach Tim Nollan, who is in his eighth year with the program.

• The Antelopes are 7-4 on the year, compiling seven sweeps throughout the preseason.

• Tatum Parrott leads the 'Lopes with 4.11 kills per set

• Klaire Mitchell passes out 9.73 assists a set.

• Thomas Tatum leads the defensive effort with 4.10 digs each set.

• Alissa Uhlenhop protects the net with 1.04 blocks a set.

CALIFORNIA BAPTIST LANCERS

• The Lancers are coached by Branden Higa, who is in his 12th year at the helm of the team.

• California Baptist earned a 7-4 record to start the season. The Lancers will play a match at Utah Tech earlier in the week prior to facing SUU.

• Michalina Rola powers the Lancers with 3.15 kills each set.

• Leah Pease (5.74) and Reese Reed (4.09) share distribution duties and lead the team in assists per set.

• Mia Jerue averages 3.94 digs a set for California Baptist.

HISTORY

• The Thunderbirds own an 11-7 all-time series lead over the Antelopes.

• Southern Utah is 1-3 all-time against California Baptist. The Thunderbirds came away with a five set victory in their last meeting against the Lancers in 2022.

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.

DONATE

To help support Thunderbird athletics consider making a donation today! To learn more about how you can support click here.