The UTSA Roadrunner volleyball team (5-4) traveled to the Reynolds Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma to compete in the Tulsa Invitational on Sept. 13-14. The ‘Runners took on Tulsa, Houston Baptist and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville over the course of the two-day tournament and were able to walk away undefeated.
In the first game against Edwardsville, Brianna McCulloch and Kirby Smith led the ‘Runners in kills with 13 and nine respectively. Emily Ramirez had a solid first game with five service aces along with five assists and 12 digs. The ‘Runners would end up winning against the Cougars 3-1 (25-19 25-18 22-25 25-15) to start off 1-0 in tournament play.
Later that evening, the ‘Runners would take on tournament host Tulsa and end up claiming a 3-1 (23-25 26-24 25-19 26-24) win against the Golden Hurricanes. McCulloch and Bianca Ejesieme led the ‘Runners offense with 11 kills apiece. Despite all four sets being close, the ‘Runners held Tulsa to a .104 hitting percentage during the game.
On the final day of the tournament, the ‘Runners took on the Houston Baptist Huskies in a game that would not disappoint. The game was back and forth but after the fifth set, the ‘Runners would come out with the victory, 3-2 (25-14 18-25 25-20 20-25 15-9). McCulloch and Smith were once again team leaders for the ‘Runners with 11 kills each with Smith adding 10 digs. Courtney Walters also finished with a double-double by having 11 digs and 19 assists.
The ‘Runners will be back in action on Sept. 17, when they play host to the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals. Later in the week, the ‘Runners will travel to San Marcos, Texas, for the Creeds and Crests Classic hosted by the Texas State Bobcats.
