UT Permian Basin volleyball rallied after dropping a close first set, coming back to take a 2-1 lead with a pair of close wins before scoring 14 of the last 15 points of the night in a decisive 26-28, 25-22, 25-23, 25-10 win over Lubbock Christian Thursday night in Lone Star Conference Divisional play in Odessa.

"Our team grinded out an important LSC West division win tonight versus a strong LCU squad.  Our bench, the band and the fans created quite a ruckus, it was an awesome game atmosphere to be a part of," said Head Coach Tim Loesch.

"Really proud of our senior middles for dominating the net with their kills and blocks.  They got some big help from Quinci Strambler who was hitting with attitude.  Our setters Analise and Kiera made some great adjustments and dished some sweet sets to our hot hitters.  Megan Ashton was super solid defensively, in the right place and making tough plays.  It doesn't really show in the boxscore, but Isela Murillo put on a show with her serving and serve reception. In addition to getting the win, it was great to celebrate some cancer survivors and raise money for breast cancer research!"

Playing with a lead after a pair of two-point set victories, UTPB turned it on in the fourth. In a set that began with three ties six points into play, UTPB took control with three straight points to go ahead 8-2 with kills from Travana Matthews and Aquincia Strambler. 

The big rally in the fourth happened when UTPB scored five straight points with a pair of kills by Skyler Friel and two blocks from Frield and Analise Lucio for a 16-9 advantage. After Lubbock Christian scored the next point, UTPB finished off the match with the last nine points of the night for the 15-point fourth set win.

Strambler led the Falcons up front, hitting a team-best 14 kills while hitting .345 on the night. Matthews hit a team-high .444 on the night, adding 10 kills. Friel also had 10 kills in the match as both recorded only two errors on the night.

Megan Ashton had a match-high 28 digs on the evening, while Lucio had a team-high 24 assists and Kiera Granado returned with 17 helpers. 

The Falcons stay at home this weekend, taking on Angelo State Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at the Falcon Dome.