DENTON, Texas – The UT Tyler patriots volleyball team split action on the first day of the TWU Volleyfest, falling to Texas Woman’s University 3-0 on friday after opening the tournament with a win earlier in the day. The loss moves the Patriots to 6-4 on the season.
The Pioneers controlled the first set, closing with a 3-0 run to secure a 25-22 victory and a 1-0 lead in the match. UT Tyler responded in the second set, leveling the score after a 3-0 run featuring kills from Audrey Brandon and Anna Arceneaux. Though,TWU answered with a dominant 17-7 run,ultimately taking the set 25-14 and a 2-0 advantage.
The third set saw the Patriots start strong, building a 6-3 lead with kills from Helena Velzis and Reese Perry, and an ace from Faith Wilkins. TWU battled back with an 8-1 run to take a 13-10 lead, and despite a late rally fueled by kills from Kota Hartman, Velzis, and Maya Jones, and an ace from saige Rivera, the Pioneers closed out the set 25-20 and the match 3-0.
Hartman led the Patriots with eight kills on a .538 hitting percentage, while Velzis added six and Perry contributed five. Rivera dished out 13 assists, and Emma Vazquez, Davis, and Arceneaux each recorded six digs.
UT Tyler will continue the TWU Volleyfest on Saturday, facing Arkansas Monticello at 9 a.m. and Arkansas Tech at 4:30 p.m.
