By Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information Director
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin volleyball team fell in three sets this evening to Kansas State (14-25, 12-25, 13-25), completing its participation in the Lippy Invitational in the process.
Mia Saenz had a team-high five kills while Kristin Phillips (.500 hitting percentage) and Olivia Saunders each followed closely behind with four kills apiece. Haeleigh Paulino handed out a team-high 11 assists for the Skyhawks (2-6).
On the defensive side, Kayla Bryant came away with a team-high nine digs and was followed by Dylan Mott (eight scoops) and Josie Hess (six digs). Saunders rejected a team-best three blocks (two solo) but the Wildcats improved to 5-1 on the season after hitting .323 for the match.
Following the match, Saunders was named to the Lippy Invitational all-tournament squad. The 6-2 graduate middle blocker achieved team-highs in kills (14), hitting percentage (.313) and blocks (eight) over the two matches in the event. It marks the second all-tournament nod of the fall for the Mississauga, Ontario, Canada native, who also received those honors at the season-opening Tennessee Classic on Aug. 25-26.
UT Martin wraps up its nonconference schedule next week when it makes a short trip to Carbondale, Ill. for the Saluki Invitational. The Skyhawks will take on tournament host Southern Illinois at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14 before facing Oakland at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information
