JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – The UTEP volleyball team demonstrated their resilience on Friday evening at the Pete Mathews Coliseum, defeating Jacksonville State in straight sets, 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-23). After establishing a 2-0 lead in the match, UTEP faced a fierce challenge in the third set but rallied to secure the sweep. 

UTEP improves to 19-2 (9-0 Conference USA) while Jax State drops to 7-15 (0-9 CUSA).   

MATCH SUMMARY        
The Miners took the first set 25-18, powered by early kills from Torrance Lovesee and strong blocks from Kaya Weaver and Ema Uskokovic. UTEP continued to roll in the second set, winning 25-21, with key contributions from Danika Washington and Lovesee. The final set saw UTEP rally from a brief deficit to clinch a 25-23 victory, highlighted by crucial plays from Lovesee and Uskokovic. 

LEADERBOARD           

• Lovesee had a standout performance, leading the Miners with 10 kills and hitting an impressive .500 while also serving up 3 aces for a total of 13.5 points.  
• Kalia Kohler directed the UTEP offense to a solid .304 hitting percentage with 19 assists. 
• On the defensive side, Alyssa Sianez contributed with 9 digs, while Weaver was a force at the net, stuffing 5 blocks.

SPLIT BOX           
UTEP held the all-around statistical advantage in kills (38-33), service aces (7-5), and blocks (6-1). UTEP registered a .304 hitting percentage and held Jax State to a .173 H%.   

SET-BY-SET        
ONE | UTEP came out strong in the first set against Jacksonville State, taking control early with key kills from Lovesee, Sara Pustahija, and Uskokovic. A pair of blocks by Weaver and Uskokovic gave the Miners the edge, followed by a string of powerful kills, extending their lead to 9-3. After a Jax State run closed the gap, Pustahija's block, and Lovesee's ace pushed UTEP ahead at the media timeout. The Miners maintained momentum, with back-to-back aces from Lovesee and dominant blocks from Weaver and Landry Braziel, building a commanding 20-12 lead. Uskokovic's kill sealed the set at 25-18, giving UTEP a 1-0 advantage over the Gamecocks.

TWO | In the second set UTEP kept its momentum rolling with key contributions across the board. Uskokovic, Weaver, and Lovesee all notched critical kills to help the Miners stay level early on. A timely ace by Uskokovic and several Jax State errors helped UTEP build a lead. Lovesee continued her hot streak, racking up kills to push the Miners ahead 13-9. After the media timeout, UTEP maintained control, with kills from Washington and Weaver extending the advantage. UTEP closed out the set 25-21 on a series of Jax State errors, taking a 2-0 lead in the match. 

THREE | UTEP fought through a tight contest to secure a sweep over Jacksonville State in the final round. Lovesee and Pustahija added key kills, while UTEP capitalized on several Jax State errors to stay ahead. After the Gamecocks took a brief lead, UTEP called a timeout and rallied back, tying the set at 15-15 with a crucial kill by Lovesee. Strong defensive efforts, including blocks from Weaver and Lovesee, and an ace by Lovesee gave UTEP the edge late. Perry's kill tied the score at 22, and Uskokovic closed out the set with a decisive kill for a 25-23 win, securing a 3-0 match sweep.

UP NEXT            
The Miners face the Gamecocks again on Saturday, October 19, at 1pm MDT in Jacksonville, Ala. 

 

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