PULASKI, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern volleyball team defended its home court Thursday evening, defeating rival Bethel University in straight sets (28-26, 25-17, 25-13) at the Curry Athletic Complex.
With the win, the Firehawks improved to 4-9 on the season and completed a season sweep of the Wildcats after also earning a 3-0 victory in McKenzie on Aug. 25.
UT Southern overcame a tightly contested opening set before taking control of the match. After outlasting Bethel 28-26 in the opener, the Firehawks limited the Wildcats to a -.029 hitting percentage in the second set and a -.107 mark in the third to secure the sweep.
Ashlee Kraft led the Firehawk attack with 15 kills while hitting .379. She also added three service aces and three block assists in an all-around performance.
Emma Beardsley provided another strong offensive effort with eight kills on a .368 hitting percentage while adding nine digs and a service ace. Amree Patterson continued her standout season in the middle, totaling five kills, seven blocks, including three solo blocks, and a .400 attacking percentage.
Setter Jelleny Mallozzi directed the offense with 23 assists, 13 digs, two kills, and a service ace. The sophomore recorded her latest double-double of the season while helping the Firehawks distribute the offense efficiently throughout the match.
Meloise Aureyre contributed five kills, eight digs, and an ace, while Olivia Ward added three kills, three service aces, and a solo block. Ashley Cope chipped in five digs and an ace from the back row.
As a team, UT Southern recorded 10 service aces and 13 total blocks while holding Bethel to a .039 hitting percentage.
Match Notes
Up Next
The Firehawks begin Southern States Athletic Conference play next weekend, hosting Faulkner University on Friday, Sept. 18, before welcoming Andrew College to the Curry Athletic Complex on Saturday, Sept. 19.
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