CEDAR CITY, Utah – Following a competitive effort in the last two sets of a Halloween matchup, the Southern Utah University women’s volleyball team fell to the University of Montana 3-0. While SUU was unable to win a set, they gave Montana a run for their money in the second and third sets and forced extra points.
Following this matchup, the Thunderbirds are 1-21 for the season and 0-11 in Big Sky Conference play. They’ve lost 13 games in a row and have six left to play.
The Grizzlies are now 7-16 for the season and 3-9 in conference play as they prepare to face Northern Arizona University next week.
The matchup
The T-Birds struggled to find their rhythm in the first set, falling 25-17. Offensively, Southern Utah came out ready to win the second set with 17 kills, matching Montana point for point in the second set and forcing extra points before the T-Birds ultimately fell 29-27.
With Montana leading late in the third frame 24-22, opposite hitter Ryen Smith scored a kill followed by another kill from outside hitter Emilia Zug to tie the set. Opposite hitter Maya Banks recorded two more kills, tying the score at 25-25 and 26-26, but after three consecutive Grizzlies points, the set ended 29-27.
Both teams struggled in the third set, with neither hitting above .170. However, SUU’s defense was at its best in the third, recording five of its eight blocks.
After outside hitter Cala Cooper scored her eighth kill, the set came down to one point. However, the Grizzlies scored three consecutive points and won the set 26-24.
Outside hitter Audrey Atwood led the team in kills with nine total, and Cooper followed with eight. Zug recorded six kills, bringing her to 100 for the season. Zug also finished second in total team blocks. Setter Celeste Urueña Jensen led the team with 11 digs and 17 assists.
Next up
The Thunderbirds are on the road this week, looking for their first conference win against Weber State University. The game will take place at Swenson Gym in Ogden, Utah, at 6 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 5, and will also be streaming on ESPN+.
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Author: Lexie Nelson
Photo by SUU Athletics
Editor: Payson Davis
sports@suunews.net