HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall prevailed in five sets (22-25, 25-19, 25-17, 23-25, 15-11) and handed UTSA its first Conference USA setback of the season on Sunday at Cam Henderson Center.
The Roadrunners (12-4, 3-1 C-USA) saw their nine-match winning streak come to an end, while the Thundering Herd improved to 14-5 on the season and 3-1 in league play.
Marijeta Runjic led all players with 18 kills and sophomore Antonela Jularic added another 10 winners. Jessica Waldrip collected her fourth double-double of the season with 36 assists and 13 digs and added a pair of blocks. Meanwhile, four Roadrunners reached double digit digs. Waldrip led all with her 13 while Brianna McCulloch recorded a season-best 12. Shelby Williams and Emily Ramirez had 11 and 10 respectively.
Collectively, UTSA hit a season-low .143 and was held to sub-.100 hitting percentages in two of five sets.
The Roadrunners found themselves back two sets to one for the third time this season but pulled out a 25-23 win in the fourth set. The frame saw the second most ties in the match with six with the final coming at the 23-all mark. On the next rally, Marshall hit one out of bounds to put UTSA on top and a block by Jessica Waldrip and Megan Slan secured the win.
Sunday's five-setter was the third straight time UTSA went the distance. After a tie at five, the Roadrunners scored three straight to lead 8-5 but momentum shifted in favor of the Herd and Marshall used a 5-0 run to lead 10-5 that would hold the rest of the way.
Jac'cara Walker led Marshall with 22 and 11 digs.
UTSA will conclude its three-match road swing on Friday, Oct. 14, when the Roadrunners visit Middle Tennessee for a 7 p.m. showdown.
