HOUSTON,TX-- TSt. Thomas volleyball team battled through an intense matchup to secure a 3-1 victory over Mary Hardin-Baylor on Thursday night. The Celts improved to 2-0 on theseason after taking the match with set scores of 25-21, 25-20, 23-25, and 25-22.

The opening set set the tone for the evening, as both teams traded points early. The Celts took control behind a kill from Ariana Willis to make it 10-8, and momentum only grew with back-to-back kills from Alexis Bodunrin and Audrey Cataline, pushing the lead to 22-15. The Crusaders rallied late, closing the gap to 24-21, but a service error sealed the first set in UST's favor.

In the second set, the Celts jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead before UMHB clawed back to tie things at 7. After falling behind 11-7, UST regrouped during a timeout and quickly flipped the script. Strong play at the net and a key ace from Bodunrin fueled a late run, giving the Celts a 22-19 edge. Big kills from Bodunrin and Noor Haydari helped close out the frame 25-20 to give UST a 2-0 match lead.

UMHB refused to go quietly, answering in the third set with relentless energy. The Celts looked strong midway through after consecutive kills from Cataline made it 13-10, but the Crusaders tied the score at 15 and later again at 22. Despite a late push from Willis and an ace by Alexis Eversull, UMHB took the set 25-23 to extend the match.

The deciding fourth set proved to be another tightly contested battle. UMHB grabbed an early 10-7 advantage, but the Celts roared back with kills from Bodunrin and Cataline, as well as a block assist by Haydari and Jazilyn Davis, to go up 14-13. From there, UST seized momentum and stretched its lead to 21-18. Though the Crusaders kept things close late, the Celts held their ground and secured the set 25-22, clinching the match on another UMHB service error.

Offensively, the Celts leaned on the firepower of Alexis Bodunrin, who exploded for 27 kills while adding 18 digs and an ace. Audrey Cataline posted with 10 kills and 22 digs, while Jazilyn Davis chipped in 6 kills in key moments. At the net, Noor Haydari led with 6 blocks, with help from Tasmine Maxwell (5 blocks) and Ariana Willis (4 blocks). The offense was directed by Mia Medina's 24 assists, supported by Jada Stallworth with 11. Defensively, Carly Lange was a rock in the back row with 26 digs, helping the Celts withstand UMHB's late pushes.

Up Next
The Celts continue their opening weekend homestand on Friday morning when they host Alverno College at 11:15 AM inside the JAAC. Stay updated with all things UST Volleyball at www.ustcelts.com or follow @USTAthletics and @ustwvball on Instagram and X.