MARSHALL, TX – UST volleyball team went head-to-head with the nation's top-ranked East Texas Baptist University in a non-conference matchup, falling 3-0 (18-25, 12-25, 15-25). Despite the loss, the Celts showed competitive energy throughout the match and now stand at 18-3 overall.

In the first set, UST came out strong and ready to compete against the No. 1 team in the nation. The two teams exchanged points early before ETBU built a 3-0 run to make it 15-11. The Celts responded with kills from Alexis Bodunrin, Karrington Kays, and Ariana Willis to pull within two at 16-14. However, ETBU regained control down the stretch to take the opening set 25-18.

The second set saw the Tigers take charge early. ETBU capitalized on UST errors and maintained steady pressure throughout, never allowing the Celts to find their rhythm as they claimed the frame 25-12.

In the third, UST found a spark of momentum. The Celts kept pace early, trading points and tying the match at 7-7. After ETBU went on a brief run, Bodunrin and Willis added key kills to close the gap to 13-11. However, the Tigers responded with a series of strong offensive plays and took advantage of late UST errors to secure the 25-15 win.

For the Celts, Bodunrin led the attack with 6kills, followed by Willis and Brooke Barnes with 4 apiece. Noor Haydari contributed 2 service aces and added a block, while Kays tallied two blocks of her own. Mia Medina recorded 10 assists, and Jada Stallworth added 7. Defensively, Carly Lange led with 9 digs, while Bodunrin and Stallworth chipped in 6 and 5

Up Next
UST turns its focus back to conference play as it travels to Longview for the SCAC Crossover Tournament. The Celts will face Centenary on Saturday October 25 at 4:30 PM and LeTourneau later that evening at 9:30 PM. Stay updated with all things Celts Volleyball at www.ustcelts.com and follow @USTAthletics and @ustwvball on Instagram and X.