SAN ANTONIO – UTSA dropped its second match of the Roadrunner Classic presented by Courtyard Marriott to undefeated Valparaiso in three straight sets.
Both teams entered Friday's nightcap having won their previous games earlier in the day. Valparaiso (11-0) defeated UIW in five sets while UTSA (4-7) downed Houston Baptist in five sets. The undefeated Beacons hit over .260 in all three sets as they swept the Roadrunners to end the opening day of the weekend tournament.
Rutgers transfer Cansu Günaydin led all players with 13 kills and 14.5 points. Courtney Walters contributed a double-double as the senior setter notched 19 assists and 15 digs, both team-highs.
First Set (Valpo: 25-17: UTSA)
Valparaiso fell behind early 3-1 but would retake the lead at 4-3 and never look back as it cruised to a first-set victory over the tournament host, closing the match on a 7-1 run. Günaydin led the Roadrunner offense in the first set, tallying a set-high five kills on nine attack attempts. Alicia Coppedge led the Roadrunner defense, toting three block assists.
Second Set (Valpo: 25-16: UTSA)
The second set saw more of the same from the Beacons as the Indiana team jumped out to an early lead and never let go. Valpo began to pull away toward the middle of the match, pushing its lead to seven, 20-13, and would finish the set 5-3 run to put UTSA away. Kelsey Carpenter had a set-high five kills in the second, continuing her strong performance from earlier in the day. Freshman Ava Camacho had 11 digs in the second set as she finished the day with 30.
Third Set (Valpo: 25-19: UTSA)
The Roadrunners played Valparaiso closer in the third set, keeping the set within striking distance. UTSA sat down 17-14 before Valpo used an 8-5 run to end the match. Günaydin tried her best to keep the Roadrunners in play, again having a set-high six kills, but it wasn't enough as the Missouri Valley Conference program pulled away in the end.
Tournament Standings (through four games)
Valparaiso: 2-0
UTSA: 1-1
Houston Baptist: 1-1
UIW: 0-2
Up Next
UTSA will return to the Convocation Center tomorrow, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m. to take on cross-town school UIW in the conclusion of the Roadrunner Classic. The match is UTSA's Hispanic Heritage game and Vamos 'Runners posters will be given out prior to the event. The match will be streamed on CUSA.tv.
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