Arkansas State Defeats UTRGV in Round 1 of NIVC

The UTRGV Vaqueros volleyball team ended their season with a tough 3-1 loss (21-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-13) against the Arkansas State Red Wolves in the opening round of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC) on Thursday at Shelton Gym in Nacogdoches.

Arkansas State Triumphs in Four Sets

Despite the loss, UTRGV (16-12) displayed resilience, with four players achieving double-digit kills and three recording double-doubles. Sophomore outside hitter Nadine Zech led the offense with a match-high 17 kills, while senior outside hitter Claudia Lupescu added 15 kills and 11 digs, marking her 13th double-double of the season and her fifth in a row. Senior RS/MB Perris Key matched her season high with 11 kills and contributed three blocks. Veteran outside hitter Ilana De Assis recorded 10 kills, 16 digs, and two service aces for her 12th double-double. Sophomore setter Isabella Costantini delivered 44 assists and 11 digs, also earning her 13th double-double. Sophomore libero Celianiz Cabranes anchored the defense with a match-high 22 digs.

Arkansas State’s Strong Performance

For Arkansas State (27-5), Kaitlin Whitlock and Devyn Lewis led the way offensively with 10 kills each. Whitlock also tallied 18 digs to secure a double-double. Setters Erin Madigan and Valeria Ortiz provided 19 assists apiece, while Sarah Martinez contributed 18 digs and three service aces. The Red Wolves showcased a strong defensive front, totaling 13 blocks in the match.

UTRGV Takes the First Set

UTRGV started strong in the opening set, fueled by two consecutive service aces from Assis, giving them early momentum. The Vaqueros played with high energy, maintaining a slim lead throughout the frame. The teams traded points into the mid-stretch of the set, but UTRGV’s dynamic play helped them secure a critical 4-0 run to gain a 21-17 advantage. Zech and Key each added two kills in the closing moments, clinching a 25-21 victory. Key had five kills with an error-free .714 hitting percentage, while Zech added six kills with a .308 clip.

Arkansas State Levels the Match

The Red Wolves responded in the second set, taking an early lead. UTRGV fought back, tying the score at 11-11 after a pair of Key’s strikes. The set remained a tight contest, with both teams locked at 18-18 before Arkansas State closed strong to claim a 25-21 win. Despite UTRGV saving two set points, ASU capitalized on UTRGV’s errors to even the match.

Arkansas State’s Defense Dominates

In the third set, Arkansas State’s defense took center stage, recording five blocks and hitting a solid .303. UTRGV struggled with five service errors and found it challenging to generate consistent offense against the Red Wolves’ wall. Late in the set, Lupescu sparked a brief rally with four powerful kills, but it wasn’t enough as ASU secured a 25-16 win.

ASU Seals the Victory

The Red Wolves dominated the fourth set, closing the match with a commanding 25-13 victory to advance to the NIVC Super 16. UTRGV, typically a strong serving team, faltered with 15 service errors throughout the match. The Vaqueros were held to a .175 hitting percentage, struggling to break through Arkansas State’s defense.

While the Vaqueros fell short in the NIVC, they showed grit and determination, particularly through standout performances by Zech, Lupescu, and the rest of the squad. UTRGV’s season comes to an end, but their efforts in this match and throughout the season highlight their potential for future success.

Arkansas State now moves forward, leveraging their strong defensive play and balanced offense as they prepare for the next round in the NIVC.