RICHARDSON, Texas – For the first time in program history the Southwestern volleyball team has won the NCAA Regional and advanced to the NCAA Finals, defeating #4 UT Dallas on their home court 3-2.

The match lived up to its billing with heart stopping action to the very last point. UTD seemed to be buried multiple times but clawed their way back each time to stay alive. Ultimately, Southwestern had too much power and took the title.  

Long rallies highlighted the first set with the lead pin balling back and forth throughout. Megan Grimes' ace tied the game 19-19 and kicked off a three point run that put the Pirates up four, 22-19. UTD broke up the run but Southwestern quickly got back to work to close out the set with three straight points 25-20.

SET POINT – FIRST SET

As the second set got underway the Pirates steadily built a cushion, leading by five 12-7. Southwestern stayed the course and fought off a late Comet push to win set two 25-21 and head into the break up 2-0.

SET POINT – SECOND SET

UT Dallas started the third set strong, but Southwestern pressed on to lead 20-18. The Comets stayed tough and closed the set on a 7-1 run to remain alive, sending the match into the fourth set.

SU  seemed to have the match in their hands, serving match point 24-18, but UTD battled back once again to win 27-25 and force a fifth set.

Jamison Duck opened the fifth set with two service aces and the Pirates got a third point off a UTD attack error to open the frame up 3-0. UTD hung close and evened the set a couple of times, but Duck put the Pirates up 14-13 and Kirby Kincannon followed with the match winner.

MATCH POINT

Andie Alford and Kirby Kincannon were named to the All-Tournament Team while Duck snagged MVP honors for her outstanding play over the weekend.

Southwestern advances to face Tufts on November 17^th in Wisconsin at 5:30 pm CST in the Elite Eight. 

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Hear from @CoachDonFlora, Jamison Duck and Kirby Kincannon in the post-match interview: https://t.co/gU4HwMNB8G

— Southwestern Pirates (@SUPirates) November 13, 2016

For the first time in program history, Southwestern volleyball has won the NCAA Regional Championship! #HereWeGoBucs pic.twitter.com/PjLmztdTwb

— Southwestern VB (@SUPiratesVB) November 13, 2016