Southern Miss
7-8.1-1
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UTEP
3-11.0-2
Southern Miss Drops UTEP for First C-USA Win
9/23/2018 3:56:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Hattiesburg, Miss. – The Southern Miss volleyball team (7-8, 1-1 C-USA) got back to its winning ways on Sunday afternoon after defeating UTEP (3-11, 0-2 C-USA) in four sets (25-18, 25-22, 21-25, 25-21).
The Golden Eagles started fast and jumped to a 12-6 lead in the first set. The Miners were never able to recover after hitting just .103. Southern Miss went for 13 kills and a .259 hitting percentage in the opening set.
UTEP grabbed an early lead in the second set, but Southern Miss was able to rebound and take a commanding six-point lead. The Golden Eagles held tight to that lead and won the second set, 25-22.
Had the Golden Eagles won the third set, it would have been their first sweep since defeating Florida A&M on Sept. 7. However, UTEP found a way to keep the match alive and held control of the lead for the entirety of the third set.
The two teams traded points in the fourth set, but Southern Miss was able to stave off a Miners comeback. The Golden Eagles narrowly won the final set via a 25-21 score. Kylie Grandy led both sides with 20 kills and added 13 digs. Similarly, Sarah Bell had a game-high 47 assists and tacked on four kills for a .273 hitting percentage.
Catherine Repsher accumulated seven total blocks and Alexis Coombs added four total blocks.
Thoughts from Stephanie Radecki
"Our staff is excited for our first of many C-USA wins, hopefully. I'm proud of our team for their fight today.
"It's been a long road stretch and we are looking forward to being at home Thursday. I hope everyone comes out to support us against WKU."
The Golden Eagles return to Reed Green Coliseum for their C-USA home opener against WKU on Sept. 19. The game is slated to start at 6 p.m.
