Hosting Utah Tech in a rivalry match on Saturday afternoon, the T-birds emerged as 3-1 victors to continue their strong start to conference play.
The first set started well for SUU, as they ran out to a 5-0 start. Utah Tech then began to find its footing in the match, eventually cutting the home team’s lead to just one (13-12). The Trailblazers continued to hang around, but a 3-0 spurt by the T-birds gave them a four-point advantage later in the set (20-16). Southern Utah was able to keep Utah Tech from gaining any more ground, closing out the set winning 25-20 and taking a 1-0 match lead.
Set number two was back and forth initially, with the two teams splitting the first eight points (4-4). The T-birds then went on a 4-0 run, creating some space on the scoreboard and making it 8-4. Utah Tech responded with two quick points to make it 8-6, but a 6-0 answer from SUU made the score 14-6. The Trailblazers cut the deficit to four (15-11) but could never get any closer in the set. Southern Utah closed the frame by notching three of the final four points, winning the set 25-17 and taking a 2-0 match lead.
With their backs against the wall, the Trailblazers took an early 4-2 lead in set three, which they later extended to 13-6. The T-birds would get within four (20-16), but Utah Tech ended the set on a 5-2 run to win 25-18 and cut the SUU match lead to 2-1.
Set four began with the T-birds leading 3-1, but just moments later the Trailblazers tied the score at 4. SUU again jumped ahead, taking a 10-7 lead that was once again answered by Utah Tech to even the score (10-10). The Thunderbirds then took a 12-10 lead, but a 4-1 run gave the Trailblazers their first set lead, 14-13. The rollercoaster continued from there, with neither team leading by more than one point. With Utah Tech ahead 24-23, Southern Utah notched three of the following four points to win the set 26-24 and claim a 3-1 match victory.
Big step forward
The win improves the Thunderbirds’ record to 7-8 on the season, including 3-1 in Western Athletic Conference action.
Not only is SUU in a second-place tie in the conference standings, but the T-birds have now surpassed last season’s win total – overall and conference – through just 15 matches in 2024. Last season, SUU finished 6-20 overall, including 2-14 in WAC play.
Up next
Southern Utah (7-8, 3-1 WAC) continues its three-match homestand, hosting Cal Baptist on Thursday, October 10.
The match will begin at 6:30 p.m. MT and can be seen on ESPN+.
