CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The UTEP volleyball team (13-13, 6-7) fell to Charlotte (16-14, 5-8) in three sets (12-25, 25-27, 22-25), 3-0, on Thursday evening at Halton Arena.
 
The Miners still sit in sole possession of seventh place in the conference standings. If UAB (12-13, 4-8) and Middle Tennessee (12-15, 5-7) both lose tonight then UTEP will clinch its first Conference USA tournament berth since 2016.  
 
Cheyenne Jones led the way for the Miners with a game-high 15 kills. Erika Sianez produced 22 digs, while Mallory Yost locked in another efficient outing with a .368 hitting percentage. 
 
The 49ers took the first frame in convincing fashion by the score of 25-12.
 
Jones would enter the second set on fire, scoring eight kills to lead UTEP in the game. The Miners were up 24-23, but ultimately fell to Charlotte, 27-25, after a late run by the home team.
 
Charlotte carried that momentum into the third frame, jumping out to a 17-13 lead. UTEP would respond, scoring five straight to take an 18-17 advantage. However, the 49ers dug deep and took the set, 25-22, and match in straight sets.
 
Next Up
The Miners will play Rice on Saturday, November 16 at 12 p.m. MT. UTEP will honor five seniors at the conclusion of the match.