LAREDO, TEXAS - UT Tyler volleyball capped off its regular season road schedule in dominant fashion Saturday afternoon, sweeping Texas A&M International 25–16, 25–21, 25–19 at the TAMIU Kinesiology and Convocation Building.
The Patriots improved to 14–11 overall and 10–5 in Lone Star Conference play behind a balanced offensive attack and stifling defense that limited the Dustdevils to just a .101 hitting percentage.
The Patriots jumped out to an early lead thanks to a pair of service aces from
Kaitlyn Davis and back-to-back winners from
Kailey Manes. UT Tyler's front line quickly established control, with
Audrey Brandon and
Lesley Sanchez teaming up for multiple blocks to halt any Dustdevil momentum.
Alyson Robbins came off the bench swinging, putting down three kills late in the frame to push UT Tyler ahead comfortably. The Patriots hit .222 as a team while holding TAMIU to -.059 in the opening set, sealing it 25–16 on a Robbins kill.
The Dustdevils responded in the second set with improved offense, leading by as many as three points midway through. But UT Tyler's composure shined through as the Patriots rallied behind the steady setting duo of
Riley Clinton and
Saige Rivera. Robbins caught fire again, finishing with several key kills down the stretch, while Manes added another service ace to keep the Dustdevils on their heels. UT Tyler would close the frame on a 6–1 run, highlighted by back-to-back Robbins kills to clinch the 25–21 win. The Patriots hit .256 in the set and recorded three service aces.
The Patriots carried their momentum into the third, surging ahead early behind another strong serving stretch from
Bella Briceno, who tallied an ace during a 6–0 run. Robbins continued her dominant afternoon, pairing with Davis and Brandon to overwhelm the Dustdevils. Manes and Perry combined for timely kills and blocks to keep the advantage intact, while Rivera and Clinton distributed the ball efficiently to all sides. UT Tyler closed out the match with a .462 team hitting percentage, their most efficient set of the afternoon, as Robbins sealed the sweep with her match-high 14th kill.
Robbins led all hitters on Saturday with 14 kills on an incredible .684 percentage.
Lesley Sanchez and Autum Perry would each chip in five kills, and
Riley Clinton led the Patriots with 19 assists. The Patriots tallied nine service aces, including four by
Kailey Manes.
UT Tyler will take on Texas Woman's and DBU to wrap up the regular season at home next weekend. The matchup with the Pioneers will be on November 14
th at 6 p.m., and the matchup with the Patriots will be at 2 p.m. on November 15
th.