CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah volleyball (2-19, 1-9 WAC) will begin its final home stretch of the season, this time, hosting UT Arlington (11-11, 3-7 WAC) on Thursday night. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 PM MT. The matchup marks the second meeting between the two teams this season. The Mavericks won the first matchup, and the Thunderbirds will look to tie up the season series.
Last Time Out
Amaya Tobias and Addyson McArthur led the Thunderbirds offensively, each contributing six kills. Asya Akbulut directed the Southern Utah offense with 17 assists. Aleeya Jones led the team defensively with six digs, while Addyson McArthur, Amanda Mendoza, and McArthur each recorded a service ace.
What To Watch
Southern Utah will need a strong performance on both sides of the ball to challenge UT Arlington. Offensively, players like Amaya Tobias and Addyson McArthur will be key in generating kills, while Asya Akbulut's setting will be crucial for creating attacks and minimizing errors. Hitting efficiency will be at the forefront of the Thunderbirds' minds, as the Mavericks hit at a high rate and can quickly swing momentum.
Limiting UT Arlington's serve pressure and attacking efficiency will be vital. Aleeya Jones and the defensive specialists will need to make digs and smart blocks. Timely kills, solid defense, and disciplined play will give Southern Utah a chance to pull off the win.
Thunderbirds Standouts
Scouting the Mavericks
Southern Utah will need to focus on precision and smart shot selection to score against UT Arlington. The Mavericks average 11.8 kills per set, so keeping their outside hitters off balance will be key. Serving strategically will be vital, as UT Arlington averages 2.1 aces per set. Jalie Tritt leads the Mavericks in kills, so limiting her opportunities will be important. Sophia Krichev leads UT Arlington in blocks, and keeping her guessing will create opportunities for the Thunderbirds.
Head Coach Danielle Jensen
"UT Arlington is a strong team that makes every point a battle. We need to bring our energy, stay confident, and maintain focus from the very beginning to put ourselves in a position to win."
Game Information
Opponent: UT Arlington Mavericks
Date/Time: Thursday, November 13 - 6:30 PM MT
Location: America First Event Center - Cedar City, Utah
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: Here
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