MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The University of Tennessee Southern volleyball team closed the regular season in style, taking down Faulkner in four sets (25-21, 20-25, 25-19, 26-24) on the road Saturday afternoon. The win not only wrapped up the Firehawks' SSAC slate but also spoiled Senior Day for the Eagles, as UTS finished conference play at 8-8 and 14-10 overall heading into postseason action.

UT Southern put together one of its most balanced offensive performances of the season, with five players hitting over .270 and the team combining for a .284 attack percentage.

Ashlee Kraft led the charge with 16 kills on 40 swings, hitting .275 and collecting 10 digs for a double-double performance. Emma Beardsley was equally impressive, slamming 15 kills while hitting .324 and adding 4 assists and 7 digs. Setter Jelleny Mallozzi directed the offense with 45 assists to go along with 6 kills and 11 digs, while also contributing 1 ace and 2 blocks for 8.5 total points.

Amree Patterson was a force at the net, totaling 8 kills and 4 blocks, while freshman Caity Griffin added 11 kills and 2 block assists to round out a powerful front line. Olivia Ward posted a clean .333 hitting percentage with 5 kills and a block assist. Libero Isabella Garza shined defensively with 13 digs and three service aces, while Ashley Cope added 18 digs and four assists from the back row.

Firehawks Find Balance at the Net

Tennessee Southern's offensive rhythm was on display from the opening serve, hitting .371 in the first set. Kraft and Beardsley powered the Firehawks early, combining for key kills to fend off Faulkner rallies and claim the opening frame 25-21.

Faulkner responded in the second set, capitalizing on UTS errors to even the match, but the Firehawks regrouped quickly. The third set saw a rejuvenated Firehawk front line, with Patterson and Griffin leading the charge at the net while Mallozzi distributed the ball effectively across the floor. Tennessee Southern dominated late in the frame to take a 25-19 win.

The fourth set provided plenty of drama as both teams traded leads deep into extra points. Beardsley delivered clutch kills down the stretch, while Garza and Cope's defensive efforts kept rallies alive. Kraft sealed the win with a powerful finish at match point, giving the Firehawks the 26-24 victory to close the regular season.

Team Set Statistics Comparison

With the victory, UT Southern concludes the regular season at 14-10 overall and 8-8 in SSAC play. The Firehawks now turn their attention to postseason competition, opening SSAC Championship Pool Play against top-seeded Mobile on Thursday, November 13.