CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University women's volleyball team picked up two wins against the University of Idaho and the University of California Riverside to highlight the first day of play at the Southern Utah Tournament. The Thunderbirds improve to 2-3 on the season, while the Vandals fall to 0-5 and the Highlanders fall to 1-5.
Head Coach Kacey Nady Said:
"Today, we had three things: First, team-centered mindset and actions. Second, confidence in ourselves and each other. And third, fun - in that order. Thank you to all the students and community members who showed support tonight! I am really excited to have another opportunity to compete and get better tomorrow."
Top T-Birds vs. Idaho
Top T-Birds vs. UC Riverside
- A balanced offensive attack was led by nine kills from Spasojevic, Zibecchi, and Charapata.
- Leuluai brought the hustle offensively and defensively with 31 assists and ten digs.
- Amaya Tobias protected the net, contributing with three blocks.
Match Recaps
Southern Utah vs. Idaho
The 'Birds took a 12-6 lead to begin the match. A balanced attack from Spasojevic and Carissa Richie and errors from the Vandals allowed the team to stay aggressive and hold a 22-13 lead late. Idaho responded with two quick kills, but a 3-0 run allowed Southern Utah to clinch the set 25-15.
The second frame saw the Vandals start strong and take a 9-6 lead early. After a 4-1 run from the Thunderbirds tied the set at ten apiece, both teams went blow for blow before another pair of 4-0 runs allowed SUU to take control and win 25-17.
Set number three started similarly to the second, with both teams going back and forth to see the score tied at six. A rally from the 'Birds that included a 6-0 run and two separate 4-0 runs gave them a 20-10 lead late. As they looked to close things out, Idaho began to fight back to put the score at 24-15 before a 5-0 run of their own, which gave them a deficit of only four. However, a quick kill from Zibecchi gave Southern Utah the frame 25-20 and the 3-0 win.
Southern Utah vs. UC Riverside
Tied 3-3 early in the first, SUU leaned on the service of Carissa Richie and Spasojevic to keep pace with the Highlanders. Up 15-13 halfway through the set, a pair of 3-0 and 4-0 scoring runs allowed the Thunderbirds to take control and eventually take the frame 25-16.
The second set proved similar to the first, as both squads traded points to see Southern Utah hold a slim 12-10 lead at the halfway point. Led by Zibecchi with some big kills contributed by Charapata, the 'Birds pulled away late to win the set 25-18.
With the score tied at six apiece early in the third, SUU rattled off a 5-0 run led by the service of Arianna Rossi to give them an 11-6 lead. Despite the deficit, UCR kept things interesting and began to chip at the lead, getting as close as a 22-21 Thunderbird lead. However, that would be as close as it would get as three quick kills from Tobias and Spasojevic gave their team a 25-21 set win and another 3-0 sweep.
Up Next
The Thunderbirds will wrap up the weekend with a rematch against the Vandals on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 11:00 a.m. MT. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, and you can follow along with live stats here.
Tickets
For single-game tickets, be sure to visit tbirdtickets.com.
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