By Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information Director
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Several University of Tennessee at Martin volleyball players put together notable efforts on the first day of the Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Invitational as the Skyhawks swept Arkansas-Pine Bluff (25-19, 25-16, 25-19) before falling in a tough five-set decision against tournament host Missouri State (14-25, 25-23, 25-27, 25-22, 6-15).
Kayla Bryant led the way for UT Martin today with team-highs of 23 kills (2.88 per set) and 27 digs (3.38 per set). Kristin Phillips put away 18 kills on a team-best .455 hitting percentage while Addy Vaughn (45 assists) and Haeleigh Paulino (34 assists) split time at setter as the Skyhawks averaged 13.25 kills per set.
Paulino scooped up 23 digs while Kayla Carrell and Dylan Mott each posted 21 digs apiece. Olivia Saunders and Mia Saenz shared the team lead with seven blocks each for UT Martin (2-3).
This morning, the Skyhawks dispatched Arkansas-Pine Bluff in short order – improving to 8-0 all-time against the Lady Lions. Ryan Rednour established a career-high with 10 kills on a .368 attack percentage while tallying nine digs. Bryant nearly amassed a double-double (nine kills, nine digs) while Josie Hess came away with a match-high 14 digs. Saenz turned away three blocks (one solo) as UT Martin limited Arkansas-Pine Bluff to a paltry .132 hitting percentage for the match.
In the nightcap against the Bears, Bryant and Phillips tied for the team lead with 14 kills each – setting a career-high in that category for both Skyhawks. Vaughn distributed a career-best 27 assists, Bryant completed a double-double with a career-best 18 digs while Paulino (21 assists, 15 digs) also earned a double-double. Mott and Carrell shored up the defense with 21 and a career-high 16 digs, respectively, while Saunders compiled six blocks for UT Martin.
A slow start cost the University of Tennessee at Martin volleyball team as the Skyhawks fell by a 3-1 margin (18-25, 23-25, 25-22, 24-26) against Kansas City on the final day of the Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Invitational.
UT Martin slammed down a season-high 63 kills on a .203 attack percentage this afternoon but was outlasted by a Roos squad that improved their record to 6-0.
A pair of Skyhawks accumulated double-doubles today. Haeleigh Paulino tallied a career-best and team-high 22 digs to go along with 26 assists while Jenna Vallée supplied 13 kills and 19 digs in her UT Martin debut.
Kayla Bryant was the offensive star for the Skyhawks today, piling up a career-best 21 kills on a team-high .315 hitting percentage. The sophomore outside hitter out of Louisville, Ky. additionally tacked on a match-best three service aces.
Olivia Saunders also reached double figures in the kill column while narrowly trailing Bryant for the team lead in hitting percentage (.314). Addy Vaughn came away with a team-best 27 assists for UT Martin (2-4).
Defensively, Dylan Mott set a season-high with 21 digs for the second consecutive day. Saunders and Vaughn shared the team lead with two blocks apiece.
At the end of the event, Mott was named to the all-tournament team. The junior libero from Hendersonville, Tenn. came away with 42 digs in nine sets (4.67 per set) over two matches in the tournament.
The Skyhawks resume their nonconference slate next week when they head to Nashville, Tenn. for the Lippy Invitational. UT Martin will square off against in-state rival Lipscomb at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7 before colliding against Kansas State on Friday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information
