UTSA volleyball opened the new season with the SMU Doubletree Invitational at Moody Coliseum. The Roadrunners dropped two sets, sealing their 0-2 record.
Freshman Courtney Walters registered a double-double, 41 sets and 11 digs, in her first collegiate match, but the ‘Runners dropped the season opener against Stephen F. Austin (SFA). The ‘Runners fell to SFA in four sets, 20-25, 29-27, 14-25, 17-25.
The ‘Runners and the Ladyjacks traded points during the first two sets before SFA claimed the win. The Ladyjacks held a steady run throughout the game, allowing for the ‘Runners to tie the game multiple times before capitalizing on UTSA’s errors to win the match.
UTSA faced the SMU Mustangs for the second match of the tournament. The Mustangs began every set of the match with a considerable lead, allowing the ‘Runners few chances to claim the game. SMU forced UTSA to take multiple timeouts to change the game plan in an attempt to win the match. The Mustangs swept the ‘Runners, 13-25, 19-25, 19-25, bringing the record for the weekend to 0-2.
During the last game of the invitational, the ‘Runners secured their first win of the tournament against the Bradley Braves in four sets, 17-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-16.
Sophomore Mia Perales and Walters combined for 47 of UTSA’s 60 assists. The Braves started off strong finishing 18 of 43 attack opportunities, but the ‘Runners answered with a .412 hitting percentage in the last three sets. This win brought UTSA’s weekend record to 1-2.
Roadrunner volleyball will be back in action Sept. 6-7 at the Convocation Center as they host the UTSA Classic. The ‘Runners will be facing the Houston Cougars, UTRGV and Maryland over the course of the weekend.
