HOUSTON, TX — St. Thomas volleyball team defended their home court in thrilling fashion, taking down Colorado College 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 28-26, 21-25, 15-9). The victory marked a statement win over the only team in the conference to hand the Celts a loss this season. With the result, UST improves to 18-2 overall and 8-1 in the SCAC.
The opening set was a back-and-forth battle as both teams found their rhythm early. The Celts began to pull ahead after kills from Alexis Bodunrin and Jazilyn Davis pushed the lead to 12-8. UST kept their energy rolling with additional kills from Bodunrin and Noor Haydari to extend the gap to 20-13 before closing the set 25-18.
The second set saw the Tigers come alive, using a 10-5 burst to gain control. Despite the Celts' effort to rally, Colorado's offensive momentum continued, and they secured the frame 25-15 to even the match.
The third set was a turning point. After falling behind 7-4, UST responded with a powerful 7-1 run sparked by another big swing from Bodunrin, taking a 14-10 advantage. Colorado fought back to tie it at 23 before the Celts regrouped. A crucial block by Haydari and Katelyn Marti gave UST a late boost, and a service ace from Jada Stallworth sealed the tightly contested 28-26 win.
In the fourth set, both teams traded points early until Colorado pulled ahead 14-8. The Celts showed resilience, cutting the deficit to 18-14 after a few key kills from Ariana Willis. However, the Tigers maintained their edge to claim the set 25-21 and force a decisive fifth.
The final set was packed with intensity from start to finish. Tied at 8-8, Willis delivered a timely kill to give UST a one-point lead. Moments later, Davis added another to make it 11-9. The Celts kept their composure, riding the momentum to close out the match 15-9 in front of a fired-up home crowd.
Leading the way for UST, Bodunrin was unstoppable with 26 kills and 12 digs. Willis followed with 10 kills, while Brooke Barnes added nine. Davis tallied three service aces, and Heydari contributed two along with four blocks. The setting duo of Mia Medina and Stallworth combined for 44 assists, while Carly Lange anchored the defense with 34 digs.
Up Next
UST will hit the road to face East Texas Baptist on Wednesday, October 23 at 6 PM. Stay updated with all things Celts Volleyball at www.ustcelts.com and follow @USTAthletics and @ustwvball on Instagram and X.
