SAN MARCOS — UTSA was unable to use a late comeback in its final match at this weekend's Delta Zeta Classic, as it dropped a 3-2 (20-25, 25-23, 25-19, 19-25, 15-8) decision to Wichita State on Saturday at Strahan Coliseum.
All-tournament team selection Dempsey Thornton once again led the way with a match-high 17 kills to go along with a season-best nine digs.
Jordan Kotara totaled 22 digs and 13 winners for her second double-double of the season and Kylie Schott added eight kills with a season-best six blocks.
The Roadrunners (2-3) started contest on a high note by hitting .216 while limiting the Shockers (4-3) to an .089 attack percentage. UTSA used a 5-0 run to extend its lead to 16-10 midway through the set, but Wichita State responded with a 7-2 run to cut into the lead. The Roadrunners managed to keep the Shockers at bay by scoring the final three points of the set.
The Shockers grabbed the advantage after winning the next two stanzas.
The second frame featured nine ties and four lead changes, but UTSA was unable to extend its lead prior to intermission. The Roadrunners then came out of the locker room and recorded a -.077 attack percentage and promptly fell behind, 2-1.
The Roadrunners didn’t go down without a fight, as they evened the match in the fourth set. UTSA hit .417 on the strength of 19 kills in 36 attacks. Thornton tallied eight of the team’s winners in the period.
Wichita State jumped out to a commanding 7-3 lead in the deciding set to force a Roadrunners timeout. However, UTSA was unable to cut into the deficit, ultimately losing by seven points.
Three Shockers registered double-figure kills with Katie Reilly leading the way with 12.
UTSA will hit the road for their final preseason tournament of the season next weekend when they head to Milwaukee, Wis., for the Marquette Invitational.