The University of St. Thomas Volleyball team hosted three nationally-ranked opponents this weekend. Friday night, the Colorado College Tigers came to Houston. Trinity, another nationally ranked team, followed Saturday afternoon. Things did not get any easier Sunday afternoon as the Celts faced a third nationally ranked team – #16 Southwestern University. The Jerabeck Activity and Athletic Center was the site of some excellent college volleyball this weekend. Unfortunately, it did not end well today for UST, as the Pirates took three straight intense sets and ultimately won a well-earned victory. The loss dropped the Celts to 9-11 overall and 4-5 in the SCAC.

In the first set, Southwestern gained an early 15-6 lead and looked ready to coast through the day, but the Celts found their rhythm, going on a run and eventually taking the lead at 22-21. However, the Pirates regrouped, and the last few points went back and forth until the senior-laden team defeated the home squad 26-24.

The intensity was carried into the second and third sets, following a similar script. In the second set, UST tied it at 13-13 and surged ahead 18-16 before Southwestern regained control in the closing moments to take the set 25-21. The third set unfolded similarly, with the Celts briefly leading 14-13 before the Pirates capitalized on key plays to secure the set 25-19 and, ultimately, the match.

Several Celts contributed significantly throughout the match. Alexis Bodunrin led the offense with 11 kills and chipped in on the defensive side of the net with 12 digs. Junior Jazilyn Davis supported Bodunrin with 9 kills. Offensive leader Audrey Cataline was limited to 6 kills, but continued her stellar defensive year with 12 digs. Kendall Howard anchored the defense with 11 digs and 19 assists. Kara Spice was also pivotal, leading the backline with 18 digs.

Up Next

The match concluded the Celts' weekend at the Celt Classic. St. Thomas has a week to refocus and prepare for a pivotal SCAC home match vs. the Austin College Kangaroos, who defeated the Celts earlier this year in Sherman. The match vs. AC is on Saturday, October 19, at 1 pm. Stay updated with UST Volleyball at www.ustcelts.com or follow @USTAthletics and @ustwvball on Instagram and X.