Stephenville, TX - Southern Utah volleyball (2-14, 1-4) fell in straight sets to Tarleton State. The Thunderbirds struggled to slow down the Texans' attack and failed to sustain any momentum generated.

Game Recap

The Thunderbirds saw it in an early hole, losing 4-1. A kill by Victoria Zibecchi and an attacking error by the Texans saw the Thunderbirds close the lead to one. Southern Utah would keep the set close until Tarleton State generated a heavy offensive blow. A 6-1 Texans run would have the Thunderbirds facing a mid-set deficit that it wouldn't be able to overcome. Kaitlyn Hoelker and Addyson McArthur would both deliver kills to shrink the Texans' lead 20-14, but it wouldn't be enough as the Texans would ultimately win the set and take an early match lead. 

The second set saw the Texans catch on fire early, as it would take an 8-1 lead. A kill by Zibecchi would stop the Thunderbirds' bleeding, and Southern Utah and Tarleton would trade points back and forth through a majority of the set. The Texans went on a 4-0 run, growing their lead to 22-11, and kept the Thunderbirds at bay, winning the set 25-14.

The Thunderbirds took their first lead of the match at the beginning of the third set, fueled by a kill and a service ace by McArthur. Southern Utah and Tarleton State would proceed to battle toe to toe. The difference in the set was two different runs by the Texans, one midway through the set that would see it take a 14-11 lead. A kill by Ezgi Kucuk would bring the Texans' lead to two. A Texans attacking error would bring the Thunderbirds within one, 14-13. The Texans would go on another 4-0 run later in the set to extend their lead to 22-16. The two runs proved to be the difference, as the Texans won the set 25-18 and the match 3-0. 

Thunderbirds Standouts

• Victoria Zibecchi led the team with seven kills on 19 attempts (.263).
• Ezgi Kucuk recorded six kills on 12 swings (.417) with just one error.
• Asya Akbulut distributed 13 assists as well as had seven digs.

Coach Jensen Said

"We've got to be better, plain and simple. We had opportunities but didn't capitalize and that's something we can control. It's about discipline, consistency and trusting each other to execute when it matters."

Up Next

Southern Utah volleyball will host in-state conference opponent Utah Valley next Saturday, October 18, at 12:30 PM MT at the America First Event Center.

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