Southwestern University

JACKSON, Miss. – The Southwestern University Volleyball team put together a complete performance Friday, picking up its 10th win of the season with a 3-0 sweep over Rhodes College (25-16, 25-16, 25-18). The Pirates improved to 10-5 overall and 2-2 in SAA play as they compete in the Millsaps Pod this weekend.

Southwestern overcame an early back-and-forth battle before taking control midway through the opening set. SU was down by as many as three at 10-7 before battling back to tie it at 12. The Pirates were able use their momentum and closed on a 13-4 run to secure the 25-16 set win. Izzy Rodriguez sparked the late surge with four service aces.

The Pirates carried their momentum into the second set and took advantage of multiple service aces to take an early lead. With the score tied at 2-2, SU never trailed again as they used a 7-0 run to take a 9-2 lead. The Pirates maintained control the rest of the way and won their second consecutive set 25-16.

Southwestern never trailed in the third set as the Pirates built an early 4-0 lead before going up by six at 12-6. SU extended its lead to 18-11 before Rhodes started to show some fight late. The Lynx cut SU's lead to 19-13 but were unable to disrupt the Pirates' rhythm, as Southwestern held on for the 25-18 set win to secure the sweep.

QUOTABLES
Head coach Don Flora on the win…

"Hanging a straight set victory on Rhodes shows the continued focus this team is bringing to each day and match. It has been showing in our defensive effort. Also, we continue to transfer our offensive rhythm from practice to matches and today's offensive balance is a sign of that drop and mindful work each day. Seeing Chloe Blanchard handle her growth and change in where she is playing on the court has been a sign of this team's depth and cohesion. Watching Lucy Riggar fly around on defense has been impressive."
 
MATCH NOTES

• The Pirates registered a season-high 11 service aces, led by Izzy Rodriguez with four. Lauren McIntyre and Carly Caraway had three apiece.
• Southwestern collected 61 digs, markings the sixth time the Pirates have surpassed the 60-dig mark in a match this season.
• Chloe Blanchard posted a season-high eight kills while leading the Pirates with a .467 hitting percentage.
• Lucy Riggar tallied 18 digs today and has recorded 39 over her last two matches after recording just 19 through her first seven games.
• McIntyre has registered 15 or more assists in three straight matches after posting 15 today.
• The Pirates held Rhodes to under 18 points in all three sets. 

 
UP NEXT
Southwestern will be back in action tomorrow at noon against Millsaps College. The game will be streamed live on FloCollege.