WACO – UTSA volleyball split the final day of the Jason's Deli Baylor Classic, topping Texas State in five sets, before falling to No. 28 Baylor, 3-1, on Saturday at the Ferrell Center.
Senior Marijeta Runjic and sophomore Brianna McCulloch propelled the UTSA offense with 26 kills each, while junior Amanda Gonzales aided the offense with 61 assists. Pacing the Roadrunner defense was sophomore Emily Ramirez with 31 digs followed by McCulloch with 25.
UTSA 3, Texas State 2
The Roadrunners saw themselves behind 2-1 in the match after Texas State won the third set 25-23.
The fourth set ignited a fire in the Roadrunners that saw UTSA score six-straight points midway through the period to seize control at 18-11, and that would be enough to stay on top for the six-point win.
UTSA extended its momentum with a trio of kills from McCulloch and Kara Teal to open the final set with an 11-5 advantage. Texas State clawed back to get within one at 14-13, but a kill from Runjic would secure the triumph for the Roadrunners.
Overall, UTSA led the match in attack percentage (.190-.138), aces (8-6) and blocks (13-10).
Baylor 3, UTSA 1
The Roadrunners jumped back on the court to close out the weekend against No. 28 Baylor.
The nationally-ranked Bears claimed the first two sets, but UTSA rallied to steal the third frame, 25-18. Registering a .500 hitting percentage, the Roadrunners opened the stanza with an 8-3 advantage and would play ahead for the rest of the set.
With UTSA looking to force the match into a fifth set, the teams went toe-to-toe in the fourth frame and tied up the match nine times before BU took the lead for good.
UTSA will return to the court on Tuesday, Sept. 19, when the Roadrunners welcome No. 6 Texas to the Convocation Center for their home opener.
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