AUSTIN — UTSA put up a fight at third-ranked Texas Longhorns, but it fell short in straight sets (25-27, 23-25, 21-25) on Thursday night at Gregory Gymnasium.
Dajana Boskovic was the only Roadrunner to reach double figures with 16 kills and she added six digs with a pair of blocks. Meanwhile, Antonela Jularic added nine kills with four digs and a block. Setter Jessica Waldrip tallied 32 assists, while Emily Ramirez led the team with eight digs.
Much like last season's meeting, the opening set went past the 25-point mark with the Horns taking the first set 27-25. Both teams battled it out as the frame featured 12 ties and three lead changes.
Jularic drew the 11th tie of the set at 24 with a kill and an impressive effort by Shelby Williams in the following rally kept the Roadrunners alive and saw Texas hit one into the net and give UTSA (3-1) the 25-24 lead. The Longhorns called for a timeout and followed with three straight points to win the first set.
The second frame was another close one as Texas (3-1) posted a 25-23 win. UTSA held Texas to a .219 hitting percentage after opening the match with a .314 clip. The Roadrunners had a late opportunity after Texas scored set point, 24-22, and followed with a serving error to put UTSA within one, 24-23. The Roadrunners were unable to fend off the Horns as they took a 2-0 lead in the match.
In the third set, errors would be the demise of the Roadrunners as they suffered the 25-21 loss for the match. After the final tie at 16, Texas pulled away and never looked back.
UTSA will continue tournament play at 10 a.m. on Friday against Miami (Fla.).
