FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — UT Arlington (1-0, 0-0 UAC) kicked off the Razorback Invitational, defeating UTSA (0-1, 0-0 American) in a 3-1 victory at Barnhill Arena on Friday. UTA secured the win with a strong fourth set, posting a .458 hitting percentage.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The opening set began with UT Arlington taking an early lead, fueled by efficient play from Camryn McMinn, who contributed multiple kills, including the first point from Erica Dellesky's assist. Karisa Martin and Sophia Krichev also added crucial points for the Mavericks, maintaining their advantage. As the set progressed, UTSA responded with key plays from Makinsey Jones and Ledisi Kpea, narrowing the gap. The set tightened as UTSA leveled the score at 22-22, but UTA regained control. A block by Lucy Tricco and Krichev and a final kill by McMinn, assisted by Tricco, secured the 25-23 win for UT Arlington.
The Mavericks started strong in the second set with early kills by Hana Aiana and Evyn Snook to establish a quick 2-0 lead. However, UTSA responded with a series of points, including consecutive service aces by Megan Hawkins, shifting momentum in its favor. Kpea and Ally Tribe were instrumental for the Roadrunners, contributing multiple kills and benefiting from UTA attack errors to build a significant lead. UTSA capitalized on service errors from UTA and continued its offensive pressure, closing out the set 25-13.
UTA maintained control early in the third set, capitalizing on UTSA attack errors and strong plays from Aiana and Krichev to establish a 14-6 lead. Tricco added to the momentum with two consecutive service aces, widening the gap. The Roadrunners attempted a comeback with Sydney Bryant and Tribe contributing kills, but UTA's lead remained intact. Despite a brief surge by UTSA, the Mavericks sealed the set at 25-20, concluding with a service error by UTSA.
UTA secured a commanding victory in the fourth set against UTSA, concluding the match with a 25-12 set win. Krichev was instrumental, delivering multiple kills and a block with Tricco, contributing significantly to UTA's scoring momentum. Snook also played a key role with several kills, including a pivotal one from Tricco's assist, helping maintain the lead. Isabella Camacho's service aces towards the end solidified the victory, with her final ace clinching the set and match for the Mavericks.
Game Notes
- Sophia Krichev contributed 13 kills on 23 attempts with a .565 hitting percentage and added 4 block assists, totaling 16 points.
- Freshman Lucy Tricco led the game with 25 assists.
- Samantha Glenn led the game with 19 digs.
- Hana Aiana added 10 kills on 15 attempts with a .467 hitting percentage, accumulating 10.5 points.
UP NEXT
UTA will play SIUE at Barnhill Arena in Fayetteville, Ark., on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m., followed by one final game to close out the Razorback Invitational against host, Arkansas at 7 p.m.
--#BuckEm--
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