UTEP volleyball (18-8, C-USA 9-5) has done it again, bringing in another win against Chicago State (11-7) Halloween night. This win marks 23 consecutive sets won by the Miners at Memorial Gym this season.
Halloween night is often marked by festive costumes and treats, and All Hallow’s Eve at Memorial Gym was no different. Candy was given out to attendees at the entrance, and many spectators showed up in their Halloween costumes.
UTEP Spirit showed up for the occasion as well, as UTEP Cheer, and Paydirt Pete himself dressed up, showing fans what Halloween spirit is all about.
Set one began with the opening point of the match going to the Cougars, but the Miners quickly put on the heat, gaining an early lead against Chicago State. The score between the Miners and Chicago State was even until the score was tied 7-7.
The Miners began to pull away from Chicago State, and from this point, the Miners always kept at least two points between them and its opponents. Although Chicago State made a small comeback scoring four points in a row, it still wasn’t enough, as the Miners were already seven points ahead (20-13).
The Miners closed out the set with a six-point lead over the Cougars (25-19), setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Chicago State put up a tougher fight in the second set of the match, as the score was tied 12 times. There were five lead changes as well, making it a nail-biter for fans. The Miners won out in the end, winning by two points (25-23) and gaining a 2-0 advantage in the match.
Chicago State began the second set with a decent lead over the Miners, but UTEP managed to tie it at four and nine all. The Miners took the lead after a three-point streak (12-11), but Chicago State came back quick, scoring two in a row (13-12).
The Miners got the advantage over the competition when graduate student middle blocker Sakira LaCour dealt a kill to Chicago State. Chicago State’s errors gave the Miners even more points allowing a comeback, scoring four in a row (23-22). The Miners were able to pull off the set win.
Set three of the match showed the Miners finishing strong over Chicago State. Chicago State took a 7-5 lead over the Miners, but UTEP came back, scoring eight in a row, sweeping the competition.
The Cougars closed in on the Miners with a four-point run (17-15), prompting the orange and blue into a timeout. The Miners returned to the court to take a five-point lead over Chicago State (21-16), the result of two Cougar attack errors and two kills by redshirt sophomore outside hitter Torrance Lovesee.
As UTEP closed in on the match point, Chicago State scored three more kills (24-19). The final point of the game was the result of a service error by Chicago State, giving UTEP a complete sweep over the game.
The crowd was electric, and the Halloween theme added on to the excitement of UTEP’s win, according to UTEP student Gyneth Gonzalez.
“It was really fun to see all the people dressed up, and then the cheerleaders, and the game was really exciting,” Gonzalez said.
UTEP volleyball will be closing out the regular season at Memorial Gym against the Liberty Flames Nov. 10-11.
Nicholas Maes is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected]
