Southwestern University

JACKSON, Miss. – Southwestern University Volleyball completed the Millsaps College pod with a 2-0 record this weekend after defeating the Majors 3-1 (25-19, 19-25, 25-18, 25-16) Saturday afternoon inside the Hangar Dome. The Pirates improved to 11-5 overall and 3-2 in SAA play with the victory.  
 
Southwestern used a strong finish to take the opening set after the teams battled through six ties early on. The Pirates broke away from a 16-16 tie with a late 7-0 run, sparked by two Izzy Rodriguez service aces and kills from Tatum Ahrens and Lucy Riggar. Sophia Burke posted five of her 12 kills in the set. Lauren McIntyre recorded seven assists, while Caroline Srubar added five.
 
Millsaps controlled most of the second set, building a 13-5 lead before Southwestern began to climb back. The Pirates cut the deficit to one at 18-17, but the Majors closed the set with a 7-2 run to even the match at one apiece. Riggar led SU with six kills.
 
The Pirates answered with their strongest offensive set of the match, recording 15 kills. After Millsaps pulled even at 13-13, Southwestern took control with a 4-0 run and continued to build its lead late to move ahead 2-1 with the 25-18 set win.
 
Southwestern saved its most decisive set for last, closing out the match with a 25-16 set victory. The Pirates led 10-9 before using a 6-1 run to take a 16-10 lead. SU then scored nine of the final 12 points to secure the four-set victory. Madison Ingram led the Pirates with five kills in the set.
 
QUOTABLES
 
Head coach Don Flora on the win…

"We continue to do some nice things defensively behind our block. Tatum Ahrens and Izzy Rodriguez led the defensive effort, with 20 and 19 digs respectively. Our offensive balance is an important area of growth and development. Our middle blockers were active and available today. We are pleased with Madi Ingram and Sophia Burke's work with the setters. We continue to see a team truly compete point to point."
 
MATCH NOTES

• Sophia Burke led the Pirates with 12 kills. She has tallied double-digit kills in three matches this season.
•  Lauren McIntyre registered a career-high 25 assists.
• Lucy Riggar's 11 kills marks the second time the freshman has posted double-digit kills this season and the second time this week after finishing with 13 on Tuesday.
•  Caroline Srubar set a new career-high with five service aces.

 
UP NEXT
Southwestern returns to the court Wednesday at home against Concordia at 6 p.m. The game will be streamed live on FloCollege. Fans will be able to purchase a meal at the event in part of SU's Grub and Gameday event.