HOUSTON, TX –  St. Thomas Volleyball team continued their strong play with a 3-1 victory over Texas Lutheran University at home. Set scores were 25-23, 25-22, 18-25, and 25-21. With the win, the Celts improve to 23-4 overall and 13-2 in the SCAC.

The first set was a back-and-forth battle between both teams. TLU gained momentum midway through the frame, taking advantage of UST errors to go on a 6-0 run and pull ahead 10-7. Kills from Karrington Kays helped the Celts close the gap to 13-10, but the Bulldogs extended their lead to 22-14. UST then mounted a late comeback fueled by kills from Ariana Willis, Tasmine Maxwell, and Brooke Barnes, along with several Bulldog errors. The Celts rallied all the way back to take the set 25-23.

The second set mirrored the first, featuring long rallies and steady exchanges of points. TLU built an 18-13 lead, but the Celts once again fought back. Key kills from Willis and Alexis Bodunrin tied the score at 21-21 before Jazilyn Davis and Maxwell delivered clutch blocks to give UST a 24-21 advantage. The Celts closed it out 25-22 to go up two sets to none.

In the third set, TLU responded with intensity, jumping out to a quick 16-7 lead. The Bulldogs controlled the pace throughout and took the set 25-18 to extend the match.

UST regrouped in the fourth and decisive set. Both teams traded points early on, staying tied at 16-16. The Celts found their rhythm late, powered by kills from Barnes, Willis, and Kays to take a 21-19 lead. They maintained that energy to finish off the set 25-21, securing the match win.

Alexis Bodunrin led the way for the Celts with 16 kills and 12 digs. Ariana Willis followed closely with 14 kills and 3 service aces, while Karrington Kays added 9 kills and 2 aces. Tasmine Maxwell tallied 4 blocks to anchor the defense, and setter Mia Medina distributed 27 assists. Defensively, Carly Lange led with 27 digs, supported by Jada Stallworth's 16.

Up Next
UST returns home for Senior Night as they take on Concordia on Nov 9th at 2PM. The senior ceremony will take place following the match. Stay updated with all things Celts Volleyball at www.ustcelts.com and follow @USTAthletics and @ustwvball on Instagram and X.