The UTSA Roadrunner volleyball team (13-9, 6-3 C-USA) faced the Marshall University Thundering Herd in the home stretch of their Conference-USA (C-USA) play for the season. The Thundering Herd swept the ‘Runners in three sets, accounting for one of the ‘Runners’ three conference losses.
The ‘Runners began the first set with a strong 3-1 lead, forcing the Thundering Herd to make multiple passing errors. After multiple lead changes throughout the set, the ‘Runners regained the lead 13-10 with a service run by freshman setter Courtney Walters. The ‘Runners continued to make passing errors as their defensive specialists failed to cover the block. A tip over the block by senior middle blocker Kara Teal tied the game, at 18-18, and she tied the game again, at 20-20. The ‘Runners gave up the last two points with consecutive blocking errors to end the set, 23-25.
The Thundering Herd jumped out early with a 4-2 lead at the start of the second set. Freshman outside hitter Hunter Cappola brought the ‘Runners up to par with multiple hits from the outside. The lead consistently switched between teams until Marshall broke the 10-10 tie, holding the lead for the duration of the set. After forcing the ‘Runners to call a timeout, the Thundering Herd brought a major front row presence to force ‘Runner passing errors. The Thundering Herd claimed the set, 25-19, preparing to sweep the ‘Runners after intermission.
The ‘Runners brought a strong front in the third set. Teal boosted team morale by claiming multiple big hits to add to the ‘Runners’ lead. The Thundering Herd answered with a strong blocking force, not allowing the ‘Runners to use their home court to their advantage. Freshman middle blocker Jenna Patton brought a significant defensive force to try to compensate for the large score deficit. The ‘Runners’ back-row defense gave up multiple points by not covering the block as the front row left a large split in the block, allowing the Thundering Herd to keep the lead. The Thundering Herd finished the set, 25-21, sweeping the ‘Runners in three sets.
The ‘Runners will be back on the court Nov. 1, as they face the Florida Atlantic University Owls, continuing their journey to the C-USA Championship.
