NEW ORLEANS, La. – The University of Tennessee Southern volleyball team continued its strong start to Southern States Athletic Conference play Friday night, overcoming a first-set deficit to defeat Xavier University of Louisiana 3-1 (21-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-20) at the Convocation Center.
With the victory, the Firehawks improved to 7-9 overall and remained unbeaten in conference action at 3-0.
After Xavier claimed the opening set, UT Southern responded with three consecutive victories, holding the Gold Nuggets to a .126 hitting percentage while recording 60 kills and nine service aces.
The Firehawks were powered by a pair of standout performances from Ashlee Kraft and Meloise Aureyre, who each finished with 17 kills. Kraft added 12 digs for a double-double, while Aureyre posted 10 digs and hit .317.
Sophomore setter Jelleny Mallozzi directed the offense with an impressive 50 assists while adding nine digs, two kills, and two service aces.
UT Southern received balanced production across the lineup. Emma Beardsley contributed eight kills, seven digs, two aces, and four blocks, while Amree Patterson totaled seven kills and three blocks. Olivia Ward added seven kills on a .353 hitting percentage along with three service aces and two blocks.
Defensively, Ashley Cope anchored the back row with a match-high 20 digs as the Firehawks outdug Xavier 63-54.
UT Southern seized momentum in the second set with a decisive 25-16 victory and carried that energy through the remainder of the match. The Firehawks hit .250 or better in each of the first three sets and closed out the win with a strong fourth-set performance.
Match Notes
Up Next
UT Southern concludes its Louisiana road trip on Saturday, Sept. 26, against Loyola University New Orleans. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. as the Firehawks look to remain unbeaten in conference play.
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