There was never any doubt in the outcome Tuesday, as UT Permian Basin Volleyball cruised to a three-set win over Western New Mexico. The offense dazzled with a .236 hitting percentage and 39 kills, while the Falcons served up a season-high seven aces.
The Falcons scored early and often in the first set. The defense forced seven errors as part of a 16-1 run to take command of the set. Isella Murillo led the attack with three kills during the run while
Stephanie Sanchez added a pair. The Mustangs battled back and traded points with the Falcons, but it was much too late. Back-to-back kills by Sanchez and Murillo sealed the set as the Falcons coasted 25-14.
The Mustangs battled early in the second set and led by two. The story of the night though was long Falcon runs, which they answered the deficit with a four-point run to take the lead. With the lead at just one, the Falcons put the set away with an 8-2 run to take control of the set. A kill from Murillo and another from
Aquincia Strambler finished the set 25-18 in favor of the Falcons.
The Falcons once again had an extended run in the third. After trailing 3-2, the Falcons took over with an 8-0 run forcing five Mustang errors.
Marissa Aguilar added a pair of aces while
Erika Lozano had one of her own. The Mustangs cut into the lead with a four-point run of their own but that's as close as it'd get and
Taurie Magee put the finishing touch on the night with a kill to take the set 25-19.
Strambler led the offense with nine kills while Sanchez had eight kills and a .300 hitting percentage.
Analise Lucio had another outstanding game with 27 assists, nine digs, and three kills. Murillo finished the night with seven kills and 10 digs while
Netanya Allison led the defense with 13 digs. Aguilar and Murillo had a pair of aces each. The Falcon defense finished with five blocks and held the Mustangs to a 0.080 hitting percentage.
The Falcons hit the road next week to take on No. 3 Angelo State for back-to-back games. Download the UTPB Athletics App today for the latest news and updates on all your favorite Falcon teams.
