TYLER, TEXAS – UT Tyler women's volleyball celebrated Senior Day in front of its home crowd Saturday afternoon, earning a three-set sweep of Texas A&M International to extend its winning streak to six matches. The Patriots secured the victory by scores of 25-20, 25-13 and 25-23 at the Louise Herrington Patriot Center, improving to 21-4 overall and 12-3 in Lone Star Conference play.
The Patriots made sure to send their seniors out on a high note, controlling much of the afternoon against the Dustdevils. UT Tyler hit .304 as a team, recording 45 kills on 112 attempts while holding Texas A&M International to a .127 hitting percentage.
UT Tyler opened the match with a competitive first set, as both teams traded points early. The Patriots gradually created separation and took control at 17-15 before continuing to build their advantage. Melanie Merrill helped provide the closing push, recording back-to-back kills to help UT Tyler secure the 25-20 opening-set victory.
The Patriots carried that momentum into the second set, jumping out to a 6-0 lead and putting Texas A&M International on its heels. UT Tyler continued to apply pressure offensively and defensively, building a commanding advantage before closing out the set 25-13. The Patriots' offensive efficiency was on full display, keeping the Dustdevils from finding a consistent rhythm.
Texas A&M International responded with a stronger effort in the third set, making the Patriots work to finish the sweep. The teams battled through a close opening stretch before reaching a 17-17 tie. UT Tyler responded by creating some separation and moving within a point of the match at 24-20. The Dustdevils fought off three match points, but Kailey Manes delivered the final kill to give the Patriots a 25-23 win and complete the Senior Day sweep.
Autumn Perry led the Patriots with 11 kills, while Manes added 10 kills and finished with an impressive .529 hitting percentage. Merrill contributed nine kills while hitting .400, and Maya Jones added eight kills at a .444 clip. Makhai Lewis recorded five kills, hit .400 and contributed four block assists.
Riley Clinton directed the offense with 32 assists, helping UT Tyler finish with 41 assists as a team. Defensively, Mia Cross led the Patriots with 11 digs, followed by Anna Arceneaux with 10 and Caroline Ashley with eight. UT Tyler also recorded five service aces, including two from Kaitlyn Davis.
The victory marked the Patriots' sixth consecutive win and provided a memorable finish to their final regular-season home match. UT Tyler has continued to build momentum as the Lone Star Conference schedule approaches its conclusion, improving to 21-4 overall and 12-3 against conference opponents.
The Patriots will take their winning streak on the road next weekend for a pair of Lone Star Conference matchups. UT Tyler travels to Denton to face Texas Woman's on Friday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. before heading to Dallas for a Saturday, Nov. 7, matchup against DBU at 2 p.m.
