MORAGA, Calif. --  The Thunderbirds dropped the opening game of the 2026 Women's Volleyball season to Gonzaga on Friday, losing to the Bulldogs in straight sets as Southern Utah's offense struggled to break through against a veteran defense.

The Bulldogs started the first set on fire, building a nine-point lead on the back of three kills by Junior Raechelle Dykstra, and never looked back from there, taking the set by a score of 25-14. The Thunderbirds made things more competitive in the second set, keeping the score close until a 10-3 Gonzaga run gave the Bulldogs a lead they wouldn't relinquish, taking another set by the same 25-14 mark. Southern Utah started the third set quickly, establishing an early lead, but as the set continued, the Thunderbirds struggled to crack the Bulldogs' defense, and Gonzaga responded with a match-high 13 kills in the set to win 25-18 and end the match in a sweep.

Southern Utah struggled offensively, managing only 22 kills while hitting just .026. Gonzaga meanwhile hit .352 and had only one player below the .300 mark offensively. The biggest reason for Southern Utah's offensive woes was a stellar defensive outing from Gonzaga's front line, which recorded 10 total blocks among five separate players.

Outside hitter Audrey Atwood led Southern Utah offensively with five kills and an ace in the game. Middle blocker Natalie Moore was also a bright spot with four kills and three total blocks. Zorana Stankovska led the team with nine digs, and Celeste Uruena Jensen had the most assists with 12.

The Thunderbirds will look to rebound tonight against tournament co-host Saint Mary's at 8:00 PM Mountain Time.

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