The Utah Valley University Volleyball team defeated the University of Texas Arlington Mavericks in four sets 25-16, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23.
Kazna Tanuvasa led the team with 15 kills, followed by Caleigh Vagana with nine blocks and Abbie Miller stepped in with 25 assists to lead the Wolverines to victory.
The first set started off a tight contest but multiple 6-0 runs helped the Wolverines take a commanding 22-13 lead. Kills from Vagna, Tanuvasa, and Tori Doris finished the set at 25-15 helping the Wolverines take a one-set lead.
UT Arlington responded after dropping the first set by taking a late 19-17 lead, following with a back-and-forth battle until the end of the set. The Mustangs would go on to take the second set with a score of 25-23 after back-to-back kills from Brianna Ford, tying the match at one set apiece.
The third set was once again competitive as both sides were tied with 11 points midway through the set. UTA found themselves in the driver’s seat to win the set late as they held a 21-17 lead. Multiple attacking errors from the Mustangs would help the Wolverines score eight of the last ten points of the set and ultimately win the set 25-23.
A tight fourth set had the tensions high as the Wolverines were fighting to win what would be their third and final set, where the Mustangs were fighting to survive and take the match to a fifth set. The majority of the set was even, with scores from both sides. However, the Wolverines found themselves with a 20-16 lead late in the set. After a 3-0 run, the Mustangs were trailing by just one point. But the Wolverines pounced with a run, putting them at match point holding a 24-20 set lead. With their backs against the wall, the Mustangs rallied to narrow the deficit to one point but an attacking error ended the comeback effort as the Wolverines clinched their third set.
For a full team schedule and information, visit gouvu.com.
