Box Score UT Permian Basin middle blocker Travana Matthews continued her amazing start to the 2019 season as the Falcons dropped their first match of the season 3-1 against Dixie State to open the Chap Classic in Lubbock, Texas.

Thursday night was just the first time all season the Falcons had dropped a set in any of their five matches to start the season.

Matthews entered the weekend ranking second in the NCAA in hitting percentage and led the Lone Star Conference hitting .569 on the season through the opening weekend. The Falcons ranked as one of the best hitting teams in the nation, placing eight overall in team hitting percentage.

She led the Falcons once again, pacing the team hitting .450 against Dixie State, recording 10 kills on 20 attempts with just one error on the night.

The Falcons rallied after dropping the first two sets, looking to take momentum back with a 25-23 win in the third set. Serving for set point after a block by Marissa Agular and Travana Matthews, Dixie State pulled within a point at 24-23 with two straight kills. The Falcons closed out the set on a kill down the middle by Aquincia Strambler for the two-point win to send it to a fourth set. 

The Falcons played their best volleyball in the third set, committing just four errors with 16 kills to hit .308 as a team in the win.

Matthews added five blocks to tie for the match lead on the night. Sarah Vasquez had a match-high 23 digs for the Falcons, and Analise Lucio added 21 assists. Strambler tied for the team-lead with 10 kills on the night.

The Falcons return early Friday morning, taking on Black Hills State at 9 a.m. in Lubbock.