Box Score
UT-Permian Basin volleyball responded strongly after dropping the first two sets of the day against Texas A&M International, coming out after the break to win the third 25-19, but the visiting Dustdevils proved to be too much in a 3-1 loss Saturday afternoon in Heartland Conferfence action at the Falcon Dome.
Saturday proved to be a day full of scoring streaks for both teams, as UTPB scored three points in a row twice in seven points after TAMIU led the day off with three points on their serve. The Dustdevils would ty to take control of the set with eight straight points midway through the first set to take a 15-10 lead, but UTPB countered with six straight points of its own to re-gain the advantage at 16-15. The Falcons looked poised to have an opportunity to win the first set with a 22-20 lead, but Texas A&M International fought back to score three in a row and would eventually win the set at 27-25.
Both teams swapped 5-0 runs in the second, UTPB starting with a five point lead before the Dustdevils tied the set with a streak of their own. The Falcons scored seven of the next eight points, but TAMIU responded with five straight points to close within 12-11. The score was close throughout the remainder of the second set, but the Dustdevils pulled away with seven of the last nine points of the set to take set two 25-21.
The Falcons came out of the locker room for the third set playing inspired volleyball, taking a commanding 10-3 lead. They would push ahead to take a 10 point lead at 21-11, and while TAMIU would fight back to try to get back into the set, bringing the score to 24-19,
Jamie Rodell scored a kill to lock up the third set win at 25-19.
Texas A&M International responded by taking its own big lead to start the fourth set at 7-1. The two teams alternated points for a majority of the set as the Falcons were unable to make up much ground as Texas A&M International would wrap up the match with a 25-18 fourth set victory.
Rodell and
Melissa Lusk each paced the UTPB offense with 13 kills apiece. Rodell led the Falcons on the day with a .370 hitting percentage while Lusk hit .344 on the day.
Ariel Fralick led UT-Permian Basin with 22 assists, and
Danae Eckart led the defense with 20 digs.
UTPB returns to action this Tuesday, hitting the road for an 8 p.m. match against University of the Southwest.
