MONTGOMERY, Ala. - UT Southern closed its run in the SSAC Championship with a hard-fought four-set battle against fourth-seeded Blue Mountain Christian, ultimately falling 25–19, 21–25, 26–24, 25–21. Despite the loss, the Firehawks capped the year with a 15–12 record, securing the program's first winning season since 2021.
Set 1: Blue Mountain Christian 25, UT Southern 19
The opening set saw both teams trading early points, with kills from Irby Norris and Emma Beardsley helping UT Southern settle in at 6–6. A service ace from Isabella Garza put the Firehawks briefly in rhythm, but Blue Mountain Christian created separation with a long scoring run. Down 22–10, UT Southern answered with a strong late push highlighted by kills from Ashlee Kraft and Beardsley and another Garza ace, pulling within 24–19 before BMC closed the set.
Set 2: UT Southern 25, Blue Mountain Christian 21
UT Southern completely flipped momentum in the second set. A 9–4 lead formed quickly behind Beardsley, Kraft, and steady distribution from Jelleny Mallozzi. Garza's serving kept BMC out of system as the Firehawks continued to apply pressure. Although Blue Mountain Christian tied the frame at 14–14, UT Southern responded with a composed stretch: Kraft and Mallozzi delivered key kills, Beardsley added a timely ace, and the Firehawks controlled the final points before Mallozzi hammered down the set winner.
Set 3: Blue Mountain Christian 26, UT Southern 24
The Firehawks again opened fast, jumping to a 7–3 lead after a Garza ace and strong swings from Norris and Kraft. UT Southern continued to command the pace, leading 10–6 and later trading point-for-point to 16–16. Kraft, Mallozzi, and Patterson helped create a 22–20 edge, but Blue Mountain Christian mounted a late rally. UT Southern held off multiple set points before BMC finally escaped with a narrow 26–24 finish.
Set 4: Blue Mountain Christian 25, UT Southern 21
UT Southern opened the final frame with confidence, building an 11–9 lead thanks to a Kraft ace and kills from Norris and Patterson. The score tightened to 15–15 as both teams traded momentum in long rallies. A late push from BMC forced the Firehawks into comeback mode, and Ward kept hope alive with a late service ace to pull within 23–21. Blue Mountain Christian closed the match after a UT Southern setting miscue on the final point.
UT Southern Statistical Leaders
Ashlee Kraft: 20 kills, .364 hitting, 2 aces, 15 digs, 22.5 points
Amree Patterson: 8 kills, 5 blocks, 10.5 points
Emma Beardsley: 8 kills, 12 digs, 4 blocks, 2 aces, 12 points
Irby Norris: 7 kills, 1 block
Jelleny Mallozzi: 40 assists, 5 kills, 9 digs, 1 ace
Isabella Garza: 18 digs, 3 aces
Olivia Ward: 2 kills, 2 blocks, 3 aces
Set-by-Set Team Statistical Comparison
Attack (Kills–Errors–Attempts / Hitting %)
| Set |
UT Southern |
BMC |
| 1 |
8–3–29 (.172) |
18–7–40 (.275) |
| 2 |
15–7–39 (.205) |
11–4–35 (.200) |
| 3 |
15–6–28 (.321) |
12–4–29 (.276) |
| 4 |
12–9–40 (.075) |
13–2–36 (.306) |
| Total |
50–25–136 (.184) |
54–17–140 (.264) |
The loss ends UT Southern's postseason run, but the Firehawks walk away with a landmark achievement: a 15–12 overall record, marking the program's first winning season since 2021 and a momentum-building step forward for the future.
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