MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Tennessee Southern volleyball team wrapped up its weekend road swing on Saturday afternoon, falling to Mobile in straight sets, 25-13, 27-25, 25-21, in Southern States Athletic Conference action.
Despite the final score, the Firehawks turned in a competitive effort against one of the conference's top squads, pushing the Rams deep into the second and third sets while recording 56 digs, 11 total blocks, and nine service aces.
Ashlee Kraft led the Firehawks with a double-double, totaling 12 kills and 11 digs while adding two service aces and five total blocks.
Emma Beardsley added eight kills, 10 digs, and three block assists, while Meloise Aureyre contributed four kills and nine digs.
Sophomore setter Jelleny Mallozzi directed the Firehawk offense with 21 assists, six digs, and a match-high three service aces. Ashley Cope paced the defense with 15 digs and added two service aces.
Mobile seized control early in the opening set, hitting .333 while taking a 25-13 victory.
The Firehawks responded in the second set with one of their strongest stretches of the match. UT Southern battled through nine ties and six lead changes, matching the Rams point for point throughout the frame. The Firehawks fought off multiple runs and forced extra points before Mobile narrowly escaped with a 27-25 win.
The third set remained tightly contested as neither side could create much separation. The teams combined for 10 ties and six lead changes, with UT Southern remaining within striking distance throughout the frame. Mobile eventually used a late push to secure a 25-21 victory and close out the match.
The Firehawks finished with 28 kills, 56 digs, nine service aces, and 11 total blocks while forcing 19 ties and 12 lead changes over the final two sets.
Match Notes
- Ashlee Kraft: 12 kills, 11 digs, 2 aces, 5 blocks
- Emma Beardsley: 8 kills, 10 digs, 3 block assists
- Jelleny Mallozzi: 21 assists, 3 aces, 6 digs
- Ashley Cope: 15 digs, 2 aces
- Meloise Aureyre: 4 kills, 9 digs
- UT Southern recorded 56 digs, 11 total blocks, and 9 service aces
Up Next
UT Southern concludes the regular season next weekend with a home-and-home series against Blue Mountain Christian University. The Firehawks travel to Blue Mountain, Mississippi, on Friday before returning to the Curry Athletic Complex on Saturday for Senior Day and the regular-season finale.
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