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PULASKI, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern volleyball team opened Southern States Athletic Conference play with a 3-1 victory over Faulkner University on Friday night at the Curry Athletic Complex. The Firehawks improved to 5-9 overall and 1-0 in conference action with the win.
UT Southern controlled much of the match, taking the opening two sets by scores of 25-13 and 25-18 before Faulkner answered with a 25-22 decision in the third. The Firehawks responded in the fourth, outlasting the Eagles 26-24 to secure the conference-opening victory.
The Firehawks put together one of their most balanced offensive performances of the season, totaling 63 kills while hitting .261 as a team.
Ashlee Kraft led the attack with 17 kills and 11 digs while hitting .341. Meloise Aureyre added 15 kills and 17 digs, while Emma Beardsley recorded a double-double of her own with 14 kills and a match-high 20 digs.
Olivia Ward delivered one of her most efficient performances of the season, posting 10 kills on a .409 hitting percentage. Amree Patterson chipped in five kills and six total blocks to help anchor the front row.
Sophomore setter Jelleny Mallozzi orchestrated the offense with 48 assists and 15 digs, collecting a double-double while helping the Firehawks eclipse the 60-kill mark. Ashley Cope matched Aureyre with 17 digs and added a service ace.
The Firehawks were dominant early, hitting .500 in the opening set and .273 in the second to build a two-set lead. After Faulkner extended the match with a third-set win, UT Southern showcased its resilience by overcoming a late challenge in the fourth set and closing out the victory in extra points.
Match Notes
Up Next
UT Southern continues SSAC play on Saturday afternoon when the Firehawks host conference newcomer Andrew College at the Curry Athletic Complex. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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