MARTIN, Tenn. – The sixth and final match of the Skyhawk Classic tournament took place today as the University of Tennessee at Martin fell in three sets (18-25, 19-25, 19-25) to Missouri State.
Following the event, Skyhawk freshman Kylie Surratt was named as one of seven student-athletes on the all-tournament team. The outside hitter from Maryland Heights, Mo. was responsible for 25 kills (2.78 per set) on a .294 attack percentage while adding 20 digs (2.22 per set) and three service aces over the two-day event.
Surratt topped UT Martin in kills (10) and hitting percentage (.259) today, leading the Skyhawks in kills for the fourth time in six opportunities in 2024. Katie Cruise handed out 27 assists while Dylan Mott (match-best 24 digs) and Addy Vaughn (three blocks) set the tone for UT Martin defensively today.
Missouri State (5-2) scored seven of the first nine points in the opening set and eventually took a 17-7 advantage. Kayla Bryant (two kills, service ace) and Jenna Vallée (three kills, half-block) had a direct hand in each of the Skyhawks’ next seven points before back-to-back kills by Addy Vaughn and another Bryant kill got UT Martin within striking distance late. However, the Bears were able to close out the first stanza. The trio of Bryant, Vallée and Vaughn each posted a team-best three kills apiece to guide the Skyhawks.
UT Martin scored five of the first six points in the second set but Missouri State stormed back to take an 11-9 lead. The two sides then continually traded blows as a kill from Vallée made the score 16-16 – the eighth tie of the middle set alone. However, the Bears scored nine of the final dozen points to take a 2-0 lead in the match. Surratt had five kills as the Skyhawks hit .261 (14 kills against only two errors) in the second stanza.
The third set was tight throughout as both teams excelled defensively with 67 combined digs. UT Martin faced a trio of three-point deficits before chipping away to knot the score at 17-all thanks to a Cruise service ace. However, Missouri State wrapped up the match on an 8-2 run. Mott made plays all over the court in the third set, diving around for a whopping 13 digs in the set alone.
The Skyhawks conclude a four-match homestand on Tuesday, Sept. 10 when they host Southern Illinois at 6 p.m.
