Bowling Green, Ky.– The Miners dropped their final Conference USA match of the season versus No. 24 Western Kentucky, 0-3 (17-25, 11-25, 16-25) on Saturday.
Senior Talia Jones led the offense with seven kills. Setter Lindsey Larson totaled 23 assists, five digs and block.
UTEP (9-22, 3-13 C-USA) totaled 26 kills, 28 digs, 24 assists, four blocks and three service aces but it was not enough as Western Kentucky hammered 47 kills, 43 assists, 39 digs, five service aces and five blocks to outlast the Miners.
The Hilltoppers stormed out to a 12-6 lead forcing UTEP to call a timeout early in the first frame. The Miners were unable to pick up any momentum and Western Kentucky took the set 25-17.
At the start of the second set, the Toppers took an early 16-4 lead as UTEP struggled to make a comeback. A kill by Noelle Langenkamp closed out the frame, 25-11 to give Western Kentucky a 2-0 match advantage.
Both teams battled for control of the third stanza, as it saw seven ties and four lead changes. With the score tied at 11, Western Kentucky picked up the pace with a 3-0 run led by Langenkamp who posted two kills. Ultimately the Hilltoppers prevailed with a bad set from Larson, 25-16.
UTEP has concluded its regular season, but it will return to Memorial Gym for its final home match against NM State on Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. (MT).
Author: UTEP Athletics
