CEDAR CITY, Utah -- Southern Utah and Utah Tech will meet Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 6:00 pm MT for the first of two volleyball matches this season, as the Thunderbirds look for their first win back in Big Sky play against their old WAC rivals.

Coach Danielle Jensen said

"We're looking forward to the energy and competitiveness that a rivalry match brings. Our focus this week is on building consistency, finding our rhythm, and turning that progress into success on the court."

The Thunderbirds

Southern Utah's defense comes into this match riding high, recording at least six total blocks in six of the team's last seven outings, along with four consecutive matches with at least 30 digs. On offense, the Thunderbirds will look to continue raising their season hitting percentage as they have sent home at least 30 kills in three of their last four outings. After recording eight service aces against Portland State on Saturday, look for Thunderbird servers to play with confidence and make their presence felt for Southern Utah's offense.

Opposite hitter Ryen Smith comes into the match as one of Southern Utah's hottest players, scoring at least five kills in four consecutive matches while also having a streak of six straight matches with at least one block to her name. Natalie Moore has been a defensive force for the Thunderbirds all season, leading the team with 35 total blocks, and has recently taken on a bigger offensive role, scoring 26 kills over her last four matches while hitting an incredible .375 over that same span. Keep an eye on Emilia Linden as the Junior comes into the match having recorded nine total blocks last week against Northern Arizona and Portland State. If she can keep up her recent defensive success, it will take pressure off the back line and make it easier for the offense to get into an early rhythm. 

Scouting the Trailblazers

Utah Tech sits at 9-3 and comes into Tuesday on a six-match win streak, including wins over Northern Arizona and Portland State to open Big Sky play last week. Southern Utah's offense will need to be at its best against the Trailblazers as Utah Tech's defense currently averages over two blocks per set and is holding opponents to a sub-.200 hitting percentage. The Trailblazers are currently hitting into more than two blocks per set on offense, giving Southern Utah's defense a golden opportunity to make an impact.

Series History

This will be the 13th all-time meeting between Southern Utah and Utah Tech at the NCAA Division I level, with the Trailblazers currently holding a slim series lead at seven wins to the Thunderbirds' five. Utah Tech has won the last four meetings, including the most recent match during last year's Western Athletic Conference Women's Volleyball Tournament, where the Trailblazers won 3-1 (22-25, 25-8, 25-21, 25-13). Southern Utah last beat its rival in 2024 in a 3-1 win (25-20, 25-17, 18-25, 26-24) at the America First Events Center, and is 1-4 when playing the Trailblazers in St. George.

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Tickets

Single-game and season tickets for the upcoming Southern Utah Volleyball season are now available. For more information and to purchase tickets for SUU Volleyball, visit tbirdtickets.com.