For the second time in less than a week, UT Permian Basin upset one of the top teams in Division II. Tonight, the Falcons stunned No. 6 Angelo State on their home court in five thrilling sets. The Falcons beat the two-time defending Lone Star Conference Champions, handing them just their fifth loss on their home floor in their last 100 games.
Still feeling the momentum over the previous six sets, the Falcons started red hot. They shot out of the gates taking the first four points of the contest. The Rambelles fought back proving why they're one of the best teams in the nation to tie the score. Neither team could take control of the set trading points until the Belles led 17-15. A kill by
Mayce Barker and back-to-back blocks put the Falcons back in front. After more back-and-forth scoring, a kill by
Taurie Magee followed by a block gave the team a little wiggle room. An error by the Belles put the Falcons on set point. After a nice save to keep the point alive,
Aquincia Strambler and
Chandra Reed got up for the block to take the opening set 25-22.
Taking the first set woke up the two-time defending LSC champs, who jumped out to an early three-point lead. The Belles tried to pull away but twice the Falcons got points overturned with instant replay. It wasn't enough as things were tied at one set each.
The Falcons responded with a run to open the third set. The defense was huge at the net with four blocks to build a four-point lead. The Belles clawed their way back into the set and evened the score at 12 and forced a Falcon timeout. Another block gave the Falcons separation before a 5-1 run to take control of the set.
Analise Lucio's ace put the Falcons on set point before a Belle error put the Falcons one set away. The Belles controlled much of the fourth set slowly pulling away, setting up a winner take all fifth.
Back-to-back errors and a block put the Falcons up early in the final set. Kills by
Isela Murillo and Magee followed by an error put the Falcons up by three. Back-to-back Magee kills put the Falcons in position to finish it. With match point, Strambler slammed it home for the largest upset in program history.
Strambler led the Falcons with 13 kills while adding eight digs. Magee was a force up front with 11 kills and nine blocks. Lucio led the way with 40 assists and tied with
Erika Lozano for the team lead with 16 digs. Murillo finished with eight kills and 14 digs.
Daylee Doggett added 11 digs. The Falcon defense held the Belles to their third worst hitting night, .155, of the season.
Up next for the Falcons is a chance for a spot in the LSC Championship against No. 4 seed West Texas A&M. Download the UTPB Athletics App to follow the team all season long.
