GEORGETOWN, Texas — The No. 16-ranked Southwestern volleyball team and No. 3 Trinity put on a five-set thriller, ending with the Tigers coming back from down 2-1 to win 3-2.
"Today, everyone in the Robertson gym was able to watch elite college volleyball," Southwestern head volleyball coach Don Flora says. "Being up two sets to one versus a quality team and having the lead into the teens of the fifth set shows where we are and where we can develop."
Trinity came out aggressive, showcasing its full arsenal upfront with Avery Tuggle booming four kills and the Tigers combining for eight block assists and a solo block in the first set, going up 10-5 early. However, after a timeout, the Pirates steadied themselves to reel off a 20-9 run to take the first set 25-19.
The Tigers adjusted and flexed their defense in the second set, recording 22 digs and 10 block assists to limit Southwestern to just six kills with six errors to even the match with a 25-9 victory.
Southwestern recovered with a balanced attack in the third set, led by sisters Jessica Kuras and Christina Kuras, who combined for seven kills. Middle blocker Andie Valenzuela contributed three kills on a .750 clip to take the set 25-20.
After Trinity took the fourth set 25-20, the Pirates and Tigers went back-and-forth in the fifth set with eight ties and three lead changes. Southwestern took its last lead at 11-10 before the Tigers closed the match on a 5-1 run.
Four Pirates finished with at least 11 kills, led by Emma White's 14. Jessica Kuras contributed her season-high with 13 kills on a .522 hitting percentage. Valenzuela had 11 kills on a .400 hitting percentage, and Christina Kuras also had 11 kills.
Just as impressive is the defense Southwestern displayed.
"We were able to calibrate to what we were seeing from their offense, and that shows with five athletes with double-digit digs," Flora says. "This is a team that trusts one another and has their teammates' back. We have plenty to look forward to as we grow and ascend as a team."
Southwestern went 3-1 at home this weekend, winning three matches in three sets. The Pirates are now 19-2 on the season with a 9-2 conference record, losing both matches to schools ranked in the top-five nationally.
