The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Volleyball Team fell 3-1 Friday against Pac-12 opponent Washington State University at the Fieldhouse during the UTRGV Tournament. This is the fourth time that UTRGV faces a Pac-12 opponent.
Despite a loss, UTRGV managed to break WSU’s 18-set-winning streak with its third set win.
UTRGV opened up the first set with a point by senior right side hitter Barbara Silva. UTRGV scored eight more points while WSU scored nine points to tie the set 9-9. The Cougars then took a 22-13 lead and closed the set with a 25-15 win.
In the second set, UTRGV junior middle blocker Veronika Jandova scored the first point. After that, the Cougars would come to take the lead 12-5. WSU took charge of the second set and ended it with a 25-16 win.
It seemed like it was over for UTRGV, but in the third set things were about to change. WSU took a 4-0 lead and extended it 8-3. The Cougars would further its lead to 18, but UTRGV was right behind with 14 points. UTRGV then tied the set 22-22 and managed to put up a fight to defeat Washington State 25-23.
During the fourth and final set, UTRGV tied the game 19-19 but would end up losing 25-21.
“I think we played a little bit better tonight than Tuesday night,” Head Coach Todd Lowery said. “I think the girls took on the things we challenged them with this week in practice. We’re still playing a little shorthanded and I think people are trying to do everything they can.”
Silva led UTRGV with 19 kills and three blocks. Sophomore outside/right side hitter Sarah Cruz recorded 13 kills and seven digs. Jandova finished with seven kills and junior setter Debora Nazario had 33 assists, eight digs and three blocks.
Earlier today, UTRGV defeated Texas Southern University 3-0 and is 1-1 in standings. The tournament will conclude at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow when UTRGV faces Houston Baptist University.
