SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – UTEP Volleyball (0-1) opened its 2024 season with a tough challenge, dropping a straight-set match to Big 12 opponent Utah at the Utah Classic on Friday. 

Kaya Weaver paced the Miners with 11 kills, a .529 hitting percentage, 3 blocks, and 12.5 points, while Kalia Kohler and Mattie Gantt combined for 27 assists, and Alyssa Sianez directed the defense with 9 digs. 

UTEP held the statistical advantage in blocks (6-5) but were out hit in kills (43-34) and hitting percentage (.303 - .189). 

SET ONE | The match began with a back-and-forth battle as both teams traded points. UTEP's Kaya Weaver played a pivotal role, delivering two kills and a block to even the score at 10-10. However, Utah responded with a 5-0 scoring run heading into the media timeout. After the break, both teams managed to put up two points each before UTEP called a timeout at 13-17. Utah then became the first team to reach 20 points, sparking a 3-point run. Although the teams continued to exchange points, Utah ultimately secured the first set at 25-19. 

SET TWO | The second set was filled with drama as UTEP jumped out to an 8-4 lead, fueled by a 6-0 run that prompted an early Utah timeout. The Miners maintained momentum, extending their lead to 15-8 after consecutive Utah errors and a service ace by Mattie Gantt. However, Utah turned the tide with an explosive 17-2 scoring run, ultimately taking the set 25-17 and securing a 2-0 advantage in the match.

SET THREE | Utah started the third set strong, quickly pulling ahead 10-4. UTEP responded with back-to-back blocks along with the help of a pair of Utah errors, narrowing the gap to 10-8. Despite the Miners' efforts, Utah answered with three straight points, forcing UTEP to call a timeout. Coming out of the break, UTEP managed to put up five kills, but Utah maintained their lead at 17-13. The Utes then executed two 3-0 runs, bringing them to match point. Although UTEP fought back with a pair of kills, Utah completed the sweep with a 25-18 win. 

UP NEXT   
UTEP will go up against Green Bay on day two of the Utah Classic on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 2:30pm MDT.   

 

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