FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The Southern Utah Thunderbirds split the matches between Texas Tech and UC San Diego. The Thunderbirds fell to the Red Raiders in the first game, 2-3, in a tightly contested matchup. The Thunderbirds picked up their first win of the season against UC San Diego Friday evening as they won 3-1. The first win of the season brings relief to the Thunderbirds, who have had many close battles this season, but were finally able to get one in the win column. The Thunderbirds improve to 1-7 on the season.

Texas Tech Recap

Southern Utah fell behind in the first set, 10–15, after the Red Raiders came out hot on offense. The Thunderbirds pulled within striking distance of stealing the set when they trailed just 20–21, but Texas Tech held on to ultimately win the set, 25–22.

The Thunderbirds came out strong in the second set, gaining a 5–2 advantage over the Red Raiders. Texas Tech stormed back and tied the set at 5–5. Both teams traded blows, with multiple lead changes throughout the set. Ultimately, Texas Tech gained separation, taking a 13–9 lead over the Thunderbirds. Southern Utah was never able to regain control and fell, 18–25.

Southern Utah trailed early in the third set, falling behind 2–4. An aggressive rally saw the Thunderbirds take a 9–6 lead. They continued to hold the advantage, eventually leading 16–11. The difference in this set was an improved hitting percentage. Up to that point, the Thunderbirds had been hitting just .144, but in the third set, they improved to .286. That trend held throughout the set, as Southern Utah won, 25–22.

The Thunderbirds' momentum carried over into the fourth set, where they jumped out to a 5–1 lead. That energy continued through the middle of the set, as they held on to a 17–14 advantage. Both teams saw an increase in offensive efficiency, with the Thunderbirds hitting at a .381 clip. That efficiency carried Southern Utah to a 25–19 victory, forcing a decisive fifth set.

The Red Raiders were determined to stop the bleeding from the previous two sets—and they did just that to start the fifth. The Thunderbirds fell behind 1–5 early, but fought to pull within one, trailing 11-12. Texas Tech cooled down the red-hot Thunderbirds right after, and Southern Utah fell in the fifth set 11-15.

UC San Diego Recap

Southern Utah fought hard in a competitive first set against UC San Diego, but fell 21-25. The Tritons opened strong with a 4-0 run, but SUU battled back with key kills from Kaitlyn Aleshire, Victoria Zibecchi, and Addyson McArthur. Strong blocking by Ajia Hughes and Aleshire helped the T-Birds tie the set at 12 and briefly take the lead. However, UCSD responded with authority to take the lead late. Despite a late push by SUU, the Tritons held on to take the set.

Southern Utah responded with energy in the second set, securing a 25-20 win to even the match. The Thunderbirds opened on a strong 6-1 run, fueled by kills from Victoria Zibecchi, Kaitlyn Aleshire, and Kaitlyn Hoelker. SUU maintained control with solid net defense and consistent setting from Asya Akbulut. UC San Diego attempted to close the gap midway through the set, but SUU held firm, continuing to find success on the attack. A late surge capped by kills from Zibecchi and a final UCSD error sealed the set for the T-Birds. 

Southern Utah carried its momentum into the third set, taking control early and holding off a late UC San Diego push to win 25-21. The Thunderbirds built a strong lead behind a balanced offensive attack led by Kaitlyn Hoelker, Victoria Zibecchi, and Addyson McArthur, with Asya Akbulut setting up key plays. SUU capitalized on several UCSD errors and added pressure with a service ace from Swayzee Mason. A late block by Zibecchi and Kaitlyn Aleshire sealed the set win, giving SUU a 2-1 lead in the match.

In a tightly contested fourth set, Southern Utah closed out the set to seal the victory for the Thunderbirds 27-25. The Thunderbirds and Tritons traded points throughout, with neither team pulling ahead by more than a few. SUU saw strong contributions from Kaitlyn Aleshire, Addyson McArthur, and Kaitlyn Hoelker, while key defensive plays and service aces kept the momentum alive. Despite UCSD forcing extra points with late kills and blocks, the T-Birds never backed down, and McArthur delivered back-to-back kills to seal the set and the 3-1 match victory.

Coach Jensen Said

"Today wasn't just about winning our first game, it was about showing what we can do when we play as one. We started this season together, and today we proved just how strong we are as a team."

Up Next

The Thunderbirds will stay in Flagstaff one more day, as they take on the host Northern Arizona tomorrow at 2 PM MT. You can watch the game here!

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