EL PASO, Texas — Texas Southern volleyball kicked off the Borderland Invitational with a strong start, earning a hard-fought win on Thursday before falling to UTEP and UCLA in the following matches.
Friday vs. UTEP
The Tigers opened the weekend against a sharp UTEP squad that came out firing and never let up, sweeping TSU 25-17, 25-13, 25-16.
Despite the loss, Gracie Hill led the attack with five kills, while Kourtni Collier added three and Morgynne McQueen chipped in two. Morelia Lorenzo Diaz anchored the back row with nine digs and a service ace, while Keldri Young and McQueen each recorded three blocks.
Setter Ava Ray distributed eight assists, and Kennedi Walker added three. TSU managed five total blocks and two aces, but couldn't match UTEP's .374 hitting percentage and 10 team blocks.
Saturday vs. UCLA
Facing Pac-12 powerhouse UCLA, Texas Southern battled but was overpowered in a 25-4, 25-13, 25-12 defeat.
Ava Houston led TSU with six kills, followed by Gracie Hill with five and Collier with three. The Tigers showed more balance in the second and third sets, with Walker and Lorenzo Diaz each serving up an ace.
Defensively, Lorenzo Diaz was again a standout with 12 digs, while Ray and Walker added four apiece. Ray and Walker also split setting duties, each finishing with nine assists. Young and McQueen contributed two blocks apiece.
Texas Southern returns home looking to regroup before entering SWAC play.
