Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

    Volleyball slips weekend on the road

    Photo+by+Lindsey+Thomas
    Lindsey Thomas
    Photo by Lindsey Thomas

    The UTSA Roadrunner volleyball team (13-8, C-USA 6-2) spent the past weekend on the road, in matches against the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles and the Western Kentucky University Lady Hilltoppers. The ‘Runners are currently ranked fourth in the Conference-USA standings.

    At the start of the weekend, the ‘Runners traveled to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to face the Golden Eagles. After dropping two sets to the Golden Eagles, the ‘Runners rallied, claiming the last two sets. Kara Teal, Hannah Lopez, Kirby Smith, Brianna McCulloch and Courtney Walters registered double-doubles.

    The ‘Runners stole the first set, gaining the advantage early in the match with Mia Ybarra registering 23 digs and Jenna Patton registering four blocks. The ‘Runners ended the first set, 25-22.

    The second set opened with a ‘Runner advantage as they gained a 7-1 lead, but the Golden Eagles regained their momentum before intermission, evening the match 1-1 with a second set score of 25-21.

    The Golden Eagles capitalized on their front row attacks during the third set, out-hitting the ‘Runners .263 to .122. Walters registered her fifth double-double of the season with 45 assists and 15 digs. The Golden Eagles ended set three, 25-21, putting them in the advantage for the remainder of the match.

    The ‘Runners adapted their defense to the Golden Eagles’ front row assault in the fourth set, which prevented the Golden Eagles to increase their score. The ‘Runners claimed a 10-point advantage to win the fourth set, 25-15, moving onto the fifth and final set.

    The ‘Runners held an 8-3 lead in the fifth set while withstanding a late rally by the Golden Eagles and finished the set 15-11 and the match 3-2.

    The ‘Runners then took on the Lady Hilltoppers. Lopez led the team in kills, with seven for the match.

    The Lady Hilltoppers capitalized on 9-0 runs in the first and second sets, easily claiming the first two sets, 25-10 and 25-13.

    Attempting to salvage the match, the ‘Runners stepped up their game by tying the match twice, resulting in six lead changes. The ‘Runners sacrificed multiple passing errors resulting in the Lady Hilltoppers to claim the third set, 25-22, sweeping the ‘Runners.

    The ‘Runners will be back in action Oct. 27, in the Convocation Center to face the Marshall University Thundering Herd.

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    About the Contributors
    Julia Maenius, Assistant Sports Editor
    Julia is a third-year English major with a concentration in creative writing and a minor in communications. She has a passion for sports and literature. During her time at The Paisano, Julia has been a staff writer and is currently the assistant sports editor. When she is not at school or writing, she interns for the UTSA Athletics Communications department. As a native of Fredericksburg, she enjoys hiking and peaches. In her free time, she loves to read and find the best coffee shops around her.
    Lindsey is a second-year marketing and public relations double major. She has an eye for creativity and spontaneity with a drive to work. During her time at The Paisano, she has worked as assistant sports editor, photo editor, and is currently the head of special projects. She works as an educator at Lululemon when she is not at school or writing. As an Austin native, she enjoys her sunsets and sunrises with a cup of coffee. When she is not working, writing or taking photos, you can catch her hiking with her dog.