Volleyball Falls to Texas State in Three Sets

Saturday, November 1

Southern Miss Wellness Center

12 p.m.

Southern Miss

14-9,6-6Sun Belt

Texas State

12-11,7-5Sun Belt

Texas St.

Southern Miss.

Volleyball Falls to Texas State in Three Sets

11/1/2025 3:01:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Volleyball fell to Texas State in three sets (25-23, 25-20, 25-11) on Saturday afternoon inside the Wellness Center. With the result, Southern Miss moves to 14-9 overall and 6-6 in Sun Belt play, while Texas State advances to 12-11 and 7-5 in the league.

Southern Miss came out strong in the opening set, using quick connections and efficient offense to build momentum. Kills from Sadie McAda fueled a 7-3 start, while Elly Stewart and Aubrey Judd combined for an early block to extend the lead. The Golden Eagles stayed in rhythm behind steady setting from Morgen Durgens, holding a 15-11 advantage midway through the frame. Texas State responded with a late surge, tying the set at 16 before stringing together multiple aces to take control. Southern Miss battled back within two behind kills from McAda and Brynn Botkin, but the Bobcats held on for the 25-23 win.

Set two opened with back-and-forth rallies as McAda and Lillie Johnson traded early points with the Bobcats. Southern Miss took a slim edge midway through, with Durgens assisting on consecutive kills from Johnson and Botkin to push the lead to 14-11. Texas State answered with a 6-0 run to flip the score, taking advantage of strong blocking and consistent serving. The Golden Eagles fought to close the gap with late points from McAda, but Texas State stayed in front to claim the second set, 25-20.

The Bobcats carried their momentum into the third frame, jumping out to a 7-2 lead. Southern Miss looked to regroup after a timeout, earning a service ace from Gaby Zovko and kills from Botkin and Stewart to keep pace. However, Texas State's front line continued to limit opportunities at the net, pulling away late with a decisive run. McAda and Johnson tallied a pair of final kills before the Bobcats sealed the 25-11 win to complete the sweep.

McAda led Southern Miss with nine kills, while Durgens recorded 22 assists. Botkin paced the back row with 13 digs, and libero Sunni Sheppard added 12. Stewart anchored the defense at the net with two total blocks.

The Golden Eagles return to action next weekend on the road, visiting Troy on Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8, in Troy, Alabama.

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