SAN ANTONIO — UTSA volleyball hosted the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and handed the 49ers a 3-1 loss on Sunday at the Convocation Center. Knotted up at 1-1, the game could’ve gone either way, but intense efforts from sophomore middle blocker Caroline Tredwell handed the competition the shorter straw.
Tredwell started off the first match with three kills and a service ace, contributing heavily to the team’s 25-14 win. Towards the end of the third set, it looked like the victory may just slip from the Roadrunners’ (8-5, 1-1 AC) hands with the Niners (10-4, 1-1 AC) bringing the score to 25-24. However, a last ditch effort on an out-of-system ball to the waiting Tredwell found the floor and tied the set at 25-25 heading into duce. Now up to serve for UTSA, Tredwell served back-to-back aces finishing the set 27-25.
Securing the Roadrunner victory with the final set, sophomore outside hitter Ally Tribe spearheaded the Roadrunner offense with six kills. Redshirt freshman opposite hitter Gigi Mason and freshman outside Taylor Gaines added four kills each. Graduate student opposite hitter Brooke Elliott also placed herself high on the hitting percentage leaderboard with a percentage just over .400.
By starting off the first set strong and creating a sizable lead, the Roadrunners gave themselves wiggle room for experimental attacks. Throughout each set, attackers from both teams opted for more tips rather than all out swings on the outside and rightside due to the blocking prowess from both teams.
Thus, fast attacks down the middle, like Tredwell’s, were more successful because they were harder to predict and react to. Powerful slides from Elliott with decisive placements from Gaines, Tribe and Mason created a symphony of offensive plays for UTSA to utilize. In hopes of increasing the back row defense, junior defense specialist Peyton Turner got added into the rotation, not as a libero, but as an additional defensive player to hold the line with fellow defense specialist, freshman Giada Obregan.
Despite her slower attacks in the first and second set, Tribe started swinging heavier in the third and fourth set which added to UTSA’s score.
“I knew that they needed me to swing high and needed me to swing hard,” Tribe expressed in regards to her increase in confidence.
Topping the UTSA hitting percentage charts, Tredwell hit .409, and Elliot followed with .308. Gaines and junior middle blocker Miranda Putnicki both hit over .100. Tribe led the ‘Runners in kills with 12 followed by Gaines’ 11 and Tredwell’s 10. Holding up the defense for the Roadrunners, Obregan put 18 digs on the board.
The Roadrunners will face University of Memphis at 7 p.m. Friday at Elma Roane Fieldhouse.
