GEORGETOWN, Texas – Long rallies turned into seemingly marathon-like sets with the Southwestern University Pirates volleyball team scoring a crucial 3-1 victory over the University of Texas at Dallas Comets.
With two of the four sets going into extra points, the match was, at times, a battle of attrition. Southwestern University got a career night from Haven Cathey, whose career-high 20 kills and .333 hitting percentage led the team.
"I just felt confident in the way my setter was setting me and hitting through the block," Cathey said. "We've been working really hard and I have to credit my teammates for their passes tonight."
The Pirates got off to a rough start, committing 11 errors in each of the first two sets on a series of miscommunications and mistimed jumps, dropping the first one 25-15.
Southwestern stormed out of the gates in the second set, jumping out to an 11-3 run with a balanced attack before a barrage of errors allowed the Comets get back within closing distance, nearly offsetting a match-high 21 kills in the set.
After UT-Dallas tied the set up at 24, Cathey recorded three of the Pirates' final five kills to pull away.
"She's a warrior. She battles and I love how she handles herself. She got up and available in space today," Head Coach Don Flora said. "Our middles did a really nice job tonight."
Southwestern University created separation in the third set with Ali Grona setting the tone with her serves, recording two of her three services aces in helping the Pirates reel off an 8-0 run after UT-Dallas tied the set at 14.
After a rough start picking up five attack errors in the first set, senior Jamison Duck got into a rhythm in the final two sets, picking up nine of her 14 kills to go with 18 digs. Alyssa Dooley contributed 13 kills while Darby Stowers provided energy off the bench with seven kills and three block assists.
Libero Brandi Campos finished with a team-high 27 digs, improbably extending several rallies with diving plays, while Makenzie Mendez had a match-high 50 assists.
With the win, the Pirates improve to 12-7 on the season. They will play their final home match of the season on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 2:00 p.m. on senior day, honoring Campos, Duck, and Jillian Jeane.
