UTEP Volleyball falls to No. 22 Rice

HOUSTON – The UTEP volleyball team (7-7, 0-1) fell to No. 22 Rice (12-1, 1-0) (20-25, 15-25, 18-25) on Friday evening at Tudor Fieldhouse.

The Miners were led by Serena Patterson, who posted a double-double with 11 kills and 11 digs. Mallory Yost notched four blocks, and Alianza Darley added seven kills to the effort. Alex Torres had a team-high 13 digs against the Owls.

UTEP dug itself a quick 7-1 hole to begin the match. However, the Miners were unwilling to roll over, answering with a 7-2 run of their own. The Owls would regain the momentum, opening up a 20-12 advantage on UTEP.

The Orange and Blue stormed back, cutting the lead to four, 24-20, but ultimately fell in the opening frame.

The second set began similarly to the first, with Rice taking an early 5-1 lead. UTEP cut that lead to one, 9-8, but were unable to stay in the game losing the set 25-15.

The Orange and Blue were holding on in the third frame down three, 18-15, but could not get any closer. The Owls defeated UTEP in the set 25-18 and took the match, 3-0.

Up next, UTEP will travel to San Antonio, Texas, to battle UTSA on Sunday at 11 a.m. MT.