ODESSA, Texas (September 14, 2024) – The University of Texas Permian Basin women's volleyball team earned its fifth win in a row with a 3-0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-10) sweep over New Mexico Highlands University on Saturday in the final match of the 2024 Dr. Steve Aicinena "Iceman" Invitational.

UTPB (5-2 overall) saw its current five-match winning streak start with its first win of the season, also against NMHU (1-6), exactly a week ago.

The Falcons got off to a blistering start with 17 kills and a .353 hitting percentage in the opening set.

After back-to-back kills by Gloria Geurin and Cassandra Rother to get things started, UTPB would lead the match 8-1 to start and never slowed down.

Gabby Gregorski had 27 digs for the second match in a row and finished the tournament with 83 total digs and a stellar 6.92 digs per set average to earn Tournament MVP honors.

Chyra Thompson and Kennedi Wright had 11 and 10 kills, respectively. Thompson had her second straight double-digit kill match and was incredibly efficient, recording her 11 kills on 12 attempts for a whooping .917 hitting percentage.

Both Thompson and Wright joined Gregorski on the All-Tournament Team. Thompson led the Falcons with 10 blocks over the three matches while adding 25 kills (2.55 kills/set), and Wright totaled a team-best 35 kills (3.18 kills/set).

Lauren Demuth had seven kills and four blocks, and Logan Terrazas and Rother both contributed with six kills.

Kierra Freeman led the team with 19 assists while Jenna Gray added 16.

"It was an absolute joy to see the hard work we've been putting in show itself today," spoke Head Coach CJ Allard. "Our service pressure and defensive discipline led to another opponent attacking negative to many high-probability offensive transitions. We have a lot of work ahead of us next week before a long road trip to Laredo for two more important opportunities."

Next up for UTPB will be the Lone Star Conference Crossover, hosted by Texas A&M International University on Thursday, September 19, and Friday, September 20. The Falcons will play the host Dustdevils at 6 p.m. on Thursday, followed by another 6 p.m. showdown against Lubbock Christian University on Friday.

The Iceman Invitational All-Tournament Team consisted of seven athletes from the four schools this weekend. From UTPB, Gregorski and Wright were both named to the Kathleen Brasfield Invitational All-Tournament Team last weekend as well.
 
2024 Iceman Invitational All-Tournament Team
Tatyana Colon, Sul Ross
Meg Pfannerstill, New Mexico Highlands
D'Nari Mills, Southeastern Oklahoma State
Ruthie Forson, Southeastern Oklahoma State
Chyra Thompson, UT Permian Basin
Kennedi Wright, UT Permian Basin
Gabby Gregorski (MVP), UT Permian Basin
 
2024 Iceman Invitational Tournament Central: https://utpbfalcons.com/sports/2024/9/5/2024-iceman-invitational.aspx