Cedar City, Utah — Southern Utah volleyball (3-20, 2-10 WAC) battled Tarleton State (15-9, 9-3 WAC) in a five-set thriller Saturday afternoon. Despite Southern Utah taking the first two sets, the Thunderbirds couldn't slow down a powerful Tarleton State offense.
Match Recap
The Texans came out hot in the first set, taking five of the first six points. Southern Utah battled back with kills by Kaitlyn Hoelker and Addyson McArthur to tie it at 5. The teams traded points until a 4-0 Thunderbirds run fueled by an ace from Asya Akbulut and a kill by Victoria Zibecchi. Later in the set, Southern Utah went on a 5-0 run with Amaya Tobias and Charlotte Wilson making their presence felt to go up 22-16. Despite Tarleton State's best efforts, Southern Utah closed out the set 25-22.
Both teams were deadlocked at 3 early in the second set, and remained that way later on. Southern Utah caught fire and took seven of the last nine points with kills by Hoelker, Zibecchi, and Tobias to win the set 25-19.
Much like the second set, the teams stayed close early in the third. Southern Utah went on a 4-0 run to take a 9-7 lead with kills by Kaitlyn Aleshire and McArthur. The Texans clawed back to tie it at 14. Southern Utah created separation, taking six of seven points to go up 22-19 with key kills by Zibecchi and Hoelker. The difference in the set ended up being the Texans taking seven of the final nine points to win it 26-24.
Tarleton State sustained that momentum into the fourth set with an early 9-4 lead. The Thunderbirds attempted a comeback, led by kills from Zibecchi and Aleshire and a service ace from McArthur. Southern Utah couldn't take the lead despite tying the set at 20. The Texans won the set 25-23, setting up a fifth-set showdown.
Southern Utah gained an early advantage in the fifth. The teams continued to trade points and were tied at 7 midway through the set. Tarleton State created separation and took a 12-8 lead. The Thunderbirds attempted a comeback, with Zibecchi and Hoelker leading the attack, but despite their best efforts, the Texans came out victorious, winning the match 3-2.
Thunderbirds Standouts
Coach Danielle Jensen Said
Up Next
Southern Utah will set its sights on the WAC tournament, where they will travel to Abilene, Texas.
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