CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah volleyball heads into a pivotal stretch of non-conference play as it prepares to square off against UC Riverside, Sacramento State, and Charleston Southern. The Thunderbirds are eager to build momentum, sharpen their rhythm, and set the tone before diving deeper into their season. Coming off difficult results at the Wildcat Invitational, Southern Utah now turns its sights on setting the standard for the rest of the season.
Coach Jensen Said
"This weekend gives us a great opportunity to measure ourselves against three different programs. UC Riverside, Sacramento State, and Charleston Southern all bring unique challenges, and that's exactly what we need right now. If we stay disciplined on our side of the net and play with energy, we can continue to grow and take big steps forward."
The Thunderbirds are scheduled to face three opponents over the three-day tournament:
- Thursday, September 4 – vs. UC Riverside (1–2)
- Friday, September 5 – vs. Sacramento State (0–3)
- Saturday, September 6 – vs. Charleston Southern (2–1)
Keys for the Thunderbirds
The Thunderbirds' success this weekend will depend on their ability to execute in three key areas. Establishing serving pressure will be vital, as creating tough first touches can open up opportunities for blocks and quick points. Teniyah Leuluai leads the Thunderbirds with 36, with Asya Akbulut trails just behind her with 31. Offensively, maintaining a balanced attack by spreading the ball between pins and middles will keep opponents off balance and prevent defenses from locking in on any one hitter. Amaya Tobias leads the team in kills with 20, while Kaitlyn Hoelker has 16, and Victoria Zibecchi has 15. On the defensive end, consistency will be the difference-maker, as long rallies are expected across these matchups. Clean digging and strong communication will allow Southern Utah to finish points and limit second-chance opportunities for its opponents.
UC Riverside
UC Riverside enters the weekend looking to make strides in the Big West. The Highlanders are known for their scrappy defense and ability to extend rallies, often forcing opponents into unforced errors. With size at the net and a consistent service game, UC Riverside aims to dictate tempo and disrupt rhythm early in matches. Mia Delahoussaye and Sophia Ewalefo lead the offensive charge for the Highlanders, with Delahoussaye recording eight kills in their latest matchup and Ewalefo having six.
Sacramento State
Sacramento State continues to build on its reputation as a perennial force in the Big Sky. The Hornets thrive on aggressive swings and a balanced attack, with their middle blockers frequently setting the tone at the net. Their ability to generate points in transition and apply pressure with strong serving makes them a tough matchup for any opponent. Victoria Marthaler leads the team with 35 kills on the season.
Charleston Southern
Charleston Southern, representing the Big South, brings a defense-first mindset. The Buccaneers pride themselves on their back-row coverage and willingness to battle through extended rallies. Their energy and resilience make them a difficult team to put away, and they rely on patience and shot selection to create opportunities to score.
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now! The home opener is set for the second week of the season when the T-Birds host a tournament September 4-6. Get your tickets today by visiting tbirdtickets.com!
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