The Southern Utah University women’s volleyball team hosted Northern Arizona University on Tuesday, Sept. 17. It was the second time these teams have met this year. Northern Arizona came out with the victory 3-0 and are 2-0 on the year against the Thunderbirds.
First set
Southern Utah came out quick with a 5-0 run off a pair of attacking errors from NAU, and a kill from Andrea Spasojevic. Star outside hitter Taylor Jacobsen rallied the Lumberjacks back with three kills to bring the score 13-12 in favor of SUU.
The Thunderbirds answered back with another 5-0 run and attempted to close out the set. SUU had multiple opportunities late in the set to secure the first point, but Northern Arizona battled and kept it close. With SUU up 23-21, Jacobsen recorded a kill. Three straight attacking errors from Southern Utah resulted in the 25-23 win for NAU.
Second set
SUU went up 8-3 to begin with two attacking errors from Jacobsen, and a kill from freshman Marlee Ervin. NAU responded with a 10-2 run, thanks to seven attacking errors from SUU and a pair of kills from Hanah Stoddard to take the lead 13-10.
The Lumberjacks continued to hold the lead for the rest of the game. Savannah Bloom finished her second set for NAU with a kill and won 25-21.
Third set
Northern Arizona dominated Southern Utah after the Thunderbirds scored the first point. Jacobsen took over, scoring four kills and finishing the set off with three straight aces to secure the 25-16 win and the 3-0 sweep.
Top performers
— Jacobsen led all players with 11 kills.
— Arianna Rossi recorded a team high 11 digs.
— Northern Arizona had seven aces compared to SUU’s two.
— Both teams finished with 31 assists.
What’s next?
Southern Utah is back in action against North Dakota State University on Friday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m. in Tucson, Arizona. This game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: SUU News Copy Editor
