PULASKI, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern volleyball team delivered one of its biggest wins of the season Friday night, defeating second-place Loyola University New Orleans in straight sets, 25-18, 25-22, 27-25, during Homecoming Weekend at the Curry Athletic Complex.
Entering the match, Loyola sat second in the SSAC standings with a 9-1 conference record and was one of only two teams in the league with fewer than two conference losses.
The Firehawks put together a balanced offensive effort, totaling 41 kills while limiting Loyola to a .172 hitting percentage. UT Southern also held advantages in service aces and attack percentage en route to the sweep.
Emma Beardsley led the Firehawks with a match-high 14 kills while hitting .367. The senior also added 12 digs and a pair of blocks, recording a double-double in the victory.
Ashlee Kraft turned in another all-around performance with 11 kills, 11 digs, a service ace, and a solo block. Jelleny Mallozzi registered a double-double of her own, directing the offense with 30 assists, 15 digs, and two service aces.
Meloise Aureyre contributed six digs, four kills, and two aces, while Ashley Cope added 12 digs from the back row. Irby Norris chipped in six kills, and Olivia Ward recorded four kills and two service aces.
UT Southern controlled the opening set from the outset, using a strong defensive effort to hold Loyola to a .135 hitting percentage. The Firehawks pulled away late to claim a 25-18 victory and seize the early momentum.
The second set was more competitive, but the Firehawks again found key points late. UT Southern hit .239 in the frame and secured a 25-22 win to move within one set of the sweep.
The third set proved to be the most dramatic of the night. The teams combined for 17 ties and eight lead changes as neither side could create separation. Loyola fought off multiple match points before the Firehawks finally closed the door with a 27-25 victory, setting off a celebration with the Homecoming crowd.
Match Notes
Up Next
UT Southern closes its Homecoming weekend on Saturday afternoon when the Firehawks host Xavier University of Louisiana at the Curry Athletic Complex. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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