SAN ANTONIO — Junior Whitney Walls posted 10 kills and UTSA swept Stephen F. Austin by scores of 25-15, 25-20 and 25-11 to remain unbeaten in Southland Conference play on Saturday at the Convocation Center.
The victory marks the first time since 2003 the Roadrunners (10-8, 4-0 SLC) have swept four consecutive opponents.
UTSA held its sixth opponent under a .100 hitting percentage and recorded 15 total blocks. Sophomore McKenzie Adams tied a program three-set record with nine (4 solos/5 assists) rejections, while senior Kelsey Jewasko and freshman Leigh Larralde bolstered the back row with 16 and 10 digs, respectively.
The Roadrunners received another balanced attack on offense after hitting at a .295 clip. Redshirt junior Kelsey Schwirtlich guided the onslaught with a match-high 34 assists, while junior Brittney Malloy recorded a match-best .471 hitting percentage on the strength of nine winners in 17 swings.
UTSA posted 16 kills and hit .389 in the first frame in rolling to a 10-point victory. Senior Elise Huskey broke a 7-all tie with a winner that kick-started a 7-2 run. The Birds stretched their lead to 24-14 after Malloy and Huskey combined on a block. Two points later, Malloy slammed home her fifth kill to close out the panel.
After Stephen F. Austin (9-10, 2-3 SLC) grabbed an early 3-2 advantage in the second stanza, UTSA racked up four consecutive points, including three straight blocks by Adams, to take the lead for good. The Roadrunners used their defense to pull away after posting eight total blocks, including a combined roof by Adams and Walls to close out the frame.
UTSA turned its focus back to offense in the final set, hitting at a .389 clip with 15 kills, including a perfect 4-for-4 effort from Walls. The two clubs were tied at three before the Birds used an 8-0 stretch to take full command of the frame. After UTSA increased its lead to 16-7, freshman Becca Stark served up seven consecutive points, including a service ace. The Ladyjacks went on a 4-1 run, but the Roadrunners closed out the match with Schwirtlich setting up junior Allie Bettinger for the final winner.
Mary Caitlin Bottles posted 10 kills and Madison Hanlan netted a match-high 17 digs to lead SFA.
UTSA will look to continue its record-setting conference start on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (9-10, 1-3 SLC). First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.
