Southwestern University

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Southwestern University Volleyball gave its home fans something to cheer about on Friday as the Pirates opened the Southwestern Invitational with two wins inside the Robertson Center. The Pirates moved to 3-2 on the season and 2-0 at home after defeating Linfield University 3-0 in match one, followed by a 3-1 victory over George Fox University in the nightcap. 

MATCH ONE | SOUTHWESTERN 3, LINFIELD 0
 
Match one was all Southwestern as the Pirates did not allow Linfield to surpass 20 points in any set (25-16, 25-15, 25-19) on their way to a 3-0 sweep. Set one started with both teams battling to a 6-6 tie before SU went on a 6-1 run highlighted by kills from Kendall Jurgens and Alta Wilson, giving the Pirates a 12-7 lead. The Wildcats pulled within four to make it 12-9, but SU continued to string together runs to earn the 25-16 set victory. 

Southwestern carried its momentum into the second set, using a strong offensive performance to pull away from Linfield after taking a 9-0 lead to start the set. The Pirates hit .375 with 15 kills as they cruised to a 25-15 set win. Linfield cut the deficit to three at 10-7 and again at 14-11, but an offensive outburst from the Pirates led the a decisive set win as they only allowed four more points. 

The Wildcats made the third set more competitive, but Southwestern found a way to pull away late. After Linfield took a 6-4 lead, the Pirates battled back and used a 4-0 run to take a 16-13 advantage. The Wildcats trimmed the score to one at 19-18, but Southwestern answered with four straight points, including back-to-back service aces from Lauren McIntyre to take a 24-19 lead. Sophia Burke then finished the match with a kill, giving the Pirates a 25-19 set win and a 3-0 sweep.

MATCH TWO | SOUTHWESTERN 3, GEORGE FOX 1

After dropping the opening set 25-22, Southwestern quickly turned the match around. The Pirates used a 7-0 run in the second set to build a 14-4 advantage and never looked back, rolling to a 25-9 victory. SU hit .407 in the set, recording 14 kills while limiting the Bruins to a -.077 hitting percentage.

Southwestern carried that momentum into the third set, using a 10-0 run to turn a 4-4 tie into a commanding 14-4 lead. The Pirates continued to pull away and took the set 25-7. 

The Pirates faced a more competitive fourth set but again found separation late. After George Fox led 12-9, Southwestern answered with a 9-1 run to take control at 18-13. The Pirates maintained the advantage from there, closing out the match 25-20 to complete the 3-1 comeback victory. 

"The staff was pleased to have some quality offensive rhythm throughout both matches today," said head coach Don Flora. "Our passing stayed locked in and Caroline Srubar delivered some important and timely sets to the correct attacker."

"Holding two teams under .100 in their attacking percentage is a sign we are serving well and digging a lot of balls behind our block. This is a step as a team in getting some things cleaned up in our offensive and defensive systems."

MATCH NOTES

• Evamarie Planchet recorded double-digit kills in both matches today with 12 versus Linfield and 10 against George Fox. She has recorded 10 or more kills in three games this season.
• Tatum Ahrens tallied a season-high 15 kills against George Fox and recorded a .375 hitting percentage against the Bruins.
• Ahrens registered three service aces versus George Fox. 
• Kendall Jurgens finished the day with eight blocks as she matched her season-high with five against George Fox. 

 UP NEXT 
The Pirates will take on Hardin-Simmons tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 p.m. to close the Southwestern Invitational.