JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – The UTEP volleyball team notched its second consecutive sweep over Jax State, 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-17), on Saturday afternoon at Pete Mathews Coliseum. With the victory, the Miners became the first Division I team in the NCAA to reach 20 wins this season.
UTEP improves to 20-2 (10-0 Conference USA) while Jax State drops to 7-16 (0-10 CUSA).
MATCH SUMMARY
The Miners took control early in set one with a series of Jax State errors, aces from Ema Uskokovic, and kills by Lauren Perry, Uskokovic, and Torrance Lovesee, winning the set 25-14. In the second set, UTEP weathered a Jax State comeback to tie at 9-9 but regained momentum with crucial kills from Sara Pustahija and Lovesee, and aces from Uskokovic and Mattie Gantt to claim the set 25-20. The third set was no different, as UTEP's aggressive serving, including aces from Alexis Massey, Madison Hill, and Gantt, and key blocks by Lovesee and Kaya Weaver, carried them to a 25-17 finish, sealing the sweep.
LEADERBOARD
- Lovesee led UTEP with 9 kills, hitting an efficient .333, while also contributing 2 blocks and a team-high 13 points, matched by Uskokovic.
- Uskokovic was a force on both sides of the ball, adding 4 aces and 10 digs to her stat line.
- The Miners' offense was orchestrated by Gantt and Massey, who combined for 34 assists, directing UTEP to a .348 team hitting percentage.
- Defensively, five Miners recorded 2 blocks each, with Lovesee leading the way at the net with 2 solos.
SPLIT BOX
UTEP held the all-around statistical advantage in kills (39-30), service aces (14-2), and blocks (7-1). UTEP registered a .348 hitting percentage and held Jax State to a .161 H%.
SET-BY-SET
ONE | UTEP came out strong in the first set, capitalizing on Jax State's early errors and. After a kill and ace by Uskokovic, the Miners surged to a 9-5 lead. Another ace from Uskokovic and a kill by Danika Washington extended the lead to 11-6, and UTEP kept their foot on the gas with consistent pressure at the net, highlighted by blocks from Washington and Uskokovic. Lovesee and Hill contributed with key aces, and Lovesee closed out with a kill to bring the set to a 25-14 finish in favor of the Miners.
TWO | UTEP maintained their dominance in set two, beginning with Perry's kill and blocks from Weaver and Perry to take the lead. Despite Jax State fighting back to tie at 9-9, UTEP regained control after a timeout. Kills from Pustahija and Lovesee, along with an ace by Uskokovic, put the Miners back in front. Jax State called for another timeout when UTEP took a commanding 23-20 lead, but Gantt sealed the set with an ace, ending 25-20.
THREE | Set three saw the Miners continue their sharp play, fueled by Massey's back-to-back aces to push UTEP ahead 5-3. After trading points with Jax State, UTEP went on a decisive run with kills from Uskokovic, Perry, and Washington, while Lovesee and Weaver delivered key blocks. Hill and Gantt contributed aces, and Weaver finished the sweep with a kill, securing the third set 25-17 for a 3-0 match victory.
"Glad to leave Jacksonville with two wins," head coach Ben Wallis said. "Jax State played hard and did some nice things, but at the end of the day, we're a deep team with players who can compete at a high level. I'm proud of Alexis Massey for stepping in for Kalia Kohler, who gave it her all yesterday but couldn't go today due to illness. Alexis played well and kept us running smoothly. Our blocking improved today, and we were more intentional from the service line, hitting with precision and power. We recorded 14 aces in three sets with only 11 errors, which is a great ratio for us given how tough we serve. We're looking forward to heading back to El Paso after a night in Birmingham to rest up. Now, our focus shifts to the Hilltoppers, who are coming to Club Memorial for a big-time matchup on Friday and Saturday. We need everyone there this weekend!"
UP NEXT
UTEP will return to action at Club Memorial on Oct. 25-26 for a two-match series against the WKU Hilltoppers.
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