The Southern Utah University women’s volleyball team competed in the Santa Clara Invitational on Friday, Sept. 13. The Thunderbirds fell to Fresno State University in the first of two games, but made an exciting comeback and won against Santa Clara University. This tournament brings their record to 4-4 this season.
Game one
The first set against the Bulldogs was a battle with neither team able to create a big lead. Late in the set, Southern Utah was down 19-17, but Arianna Rossi stepped in to lead the team on a 6-0 run. This gave the Thunderbirds the boost they needed, winning the set 25-21.
The second set was much different, with both teams going for big scoring runs. SUU was down 13-4 midway through, but they went on a strong 10-2 run and brought the score 15-14 in favor of Fresno State. Despite a good effort from Andrea Spasojevic, the Bulldogs were resilient and took over, winning the set 25-17.
The Thunderbirds played aggressively in set three. Spasojevic, and Carissa Richie led the attack, keeping the Thunderbirds close. Midway through the score was tied at 15. After big runs on both sides, the score was tied again at 22. Bulldog Addison Haluska dominated in the remainder of the set, scoring the last three points giving Fresno the 25-23 win.
The final set was dominated by the Bulldogs. A few separate scoring runs quickly had Fresno up 18-12. The Thunderbirds gave it their all, but were unable to make a comeback. Fresno State won the set 25-16, and won the match 3-1.
Game two
The Thunderbirds quickly grabbed a 5-0 lead to start the match against the Broncos. Santa Clara responded strongly, and went up 15-11 going into the timeout. Both teams went back-and-forth before the set was tied at 24. Southern Utah had a chance to win after an error by the Broncos, but could not capitalize. Tied at 28, Santa Clara scored two straight points to win the long set 30-28.
The Broncos controlled most of the second set. The Thunderbirds were able to get within five points down 10-15, but could not cut any further into the deficit, giving the Broncos the 25-13 win. They were presented with a chance to send SUU home up 2-0.
The beginning of the third set had both teams scoring in small amounts. Midway through, the Thunderbirds were up 14-9. The Broncos continued pursuing the win, and took a 18-16 lead late. Then with a great attack from SUU, Charlotte Wilson and Amaya Tobias gave the team a 24-20 lead, and won the set 25-22.
Set four was a statement win for Southern Utah. Santa Clara got within three points going into a timeout midway through which placed SUU up 15-12. Molly McDermott then led Southern Utah on two separate scoring runs winning the set 25-17.
The fifth and final set was an exciting end to a competitive match. After being tied at four, Santa Clara went on a strong 4-1 run to go up 8-5. The Thunderbirds responded with a 4-1 scoring run to tie the set at nine.
As the teams began to exchange kills once more, a crucial point from SUU’s Marlee Ervin gave her team a one-point lead. The Broncos had a chance to keep going, but gave Southern Utah the 15-13 win with a few errors. The Thunderbirds won the match 3-2, completing an incredible comeback.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will head home for their next game against Northern Arizona University on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. This game will be played in the America First Event Center or can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jacob McQueary
Photographer: Katie Anderson
Editor: Jack Paul
