EL PASO, Texas – UTSA dropped its Friday night matchup in El Paso to UTEP in three straight sets (25-16, 25-18, 25-23).
UTSA (7-13, 2-6) dropped its fourth straight Conference USA match as UTEP (12-9, 6-2), led by Serena Patterson and Torrance Lovesee, won the match.
UTSA remains tied for eighth place in the conference, tied with Charlotte, Louisiana Tech and FIU.
First Set (UTEP 25-16 UTSA)
The Miners began the match with a strong set one start, racing out to a 13-7 lead and forcing a UTSA timeout. The Roadrunners were able to bring it back within two, 16-14, but a 9-2 run by UTEP put the match away and secured a 1-0 lead. UTSA had 10 errors in the set and was held to a .192 hitting percentage while UTEP hit at a .520 clip. Cansu Günaydin led the way for UTSA in the first set, notching four kills to lead all scorers.
Second Set (UTEP 25-18 UTSA)
The second set played out much like the first as UTEP found itself with another early lead, forcing a Roadrunner timeout at 15-11. This time, however, UTEP didn't allow UTSA back within four and was able to pull away, earning the set victory 25-18. UTEP's Serena Patterson tallied a seven-kill set, a set-high for any player, as part of UTEP's continued solid hitting percentage at .593.
Third Set (UTEP 25-23 UTSA)
The Roadrunners dug in in the third set, stymieing the Miner momentum and jumping out to an early lead of their own, 12-6, which forced a UTEP timeout. UTSA kept its foot on the pedal, continuing to lead at 17-12 which forced another UTEP timeout. From that point on though, UTEP went on a 13-6 run to come back and take set three and the match over UTSA. Günaydin and Hunter Coppola led UTSA with eight kills apiece while both Mekaila Aupiu and Courtney Walters recorded 11 assists each.
Up Next
UTSA will be back in action this Sunday, Oct. 23, when the team returns to San Antonio to play host to FIU. First serve is set for 1 p.m. and the match will be streamed on CUSA.tv. Fans who attend Sunday's match are encouraged to dress showing their school spirit as it will be the finale of Homecoming week.
- UTSA -
