GEORGETOWN, TEXAS -  The Southwestern University Volleyball team traveled down to Houston, Texas to compete in the St. Thomas Invitational this weekend. The Pirates were up against the Howard Payne Yellowjackets for game one of the tournament. Southwestern walked away with a 3-0 sweep, taking set one 25-15, set two 27-25, and set three with a final of 25-17. 

Don Flora stated "Every match had a rhythm and we need to continue to play at our own speed and rhythm every point we can. This match provided some stress and this entire team stuck together. The staff was pleased with how we adjusted within the match in our blocking movements (7 team blocks) and with our defense behind the block. Having Lily, Emily and Tatum step up with their offense at key moments was impactful in closing out the third set with some good offensive rhythm."

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

• Freshman Tatum Ahrens led the Pirates in hitting percentage (.778) with seven kills

• Madison Ingram recorded three kills off fourteen assists, one solo block, and three block assists

• Annika Flora assisted Pirate hitters on seventeen attempts and served two aces  

GAME NOTES

• Southwestern added thirty-seven kills compared to just twenty-three from Howard Payne

• The Pirates racked up nine service aces in the contest coming from Kendall Jurgens (3), T. Ahrens (3), A. Flora (2), and Lauren McIntyre (1)

UP NEXT

• The Pirates have two games tomorrow in Houston, Texas to conclude the St. Thomas Invitational starting at 10:00 AM against Austin College & 2:30 PM taking on the tournament hosts University of St. Thomas.