By Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information Director
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin volleyball team ran into a pair of hot teams today on the final day of its season-opening tournament, falling to Texas State (22-25, 19-25, 17-25) and Tennessee (15-25, 8-25, 9-25) at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Kayla Bryant had 12 kills on the day to pace the Skyhawks offensively while Olivia Saunders (team-best .308 hitting percentage) and Halle Everett each chipped in 10 kills apiece. Haeleigh Paulino dished out a team-high 24 assists for UT Martin.
Defensively, Dylan Mott came away with 15 digs in the two matches today while Bryant ranked second on the team with nine scoops. Mia Saenz turned away four blocks for the Skyhawks, who outblocked the opposition by a 9-5 margin on the day.
Following the conclusion of UT Martin’s match against the Lady Vols, Saunders was spotlighted on the Tennessee Classic All-Tournament Team. The 6-2 graduate middle blocker from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada earned team-highs in points (32.5), kills (27) and attack percentage (.367) while ranking second on the team with 10 blocks over the course of a dominant weekend.
Pitted against a Texas State squad that won 24 matches last season, the Skyhawks were led offensively by Everett’s seven kills. The trio of Bryant, Saunders and Saenz trailed narrowly behind with six kills apiece while Paulino distributed 15 assists. Mott’s 12 digs led the way for UT Martin while Saunders posted a team-best three blocks.
Returning to action seven hours later against a Tennessee team that placed fourth in the Southeastern Conference standings a year ago, the Skyhawks were guided by Bryant’s six kills and four digs. Paulino (nine assists, four digs), Ryan Rednour (one service ace) and Saenz (two blocks) also achieved team-highs in their respective statistical categories for UT Martin.
The Skyhawks travel to their second nonconference tournament of the 2023 season next weekend, heading to Springfield, Mo. for the Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Invitational. UT Martin will take on Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Missouri State on Friday, Sept. 1 before squaring off against Kansas City on Saturday, Sept. 2.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information
