Game One:
The first match on Nov. 15 was Military Appreciation Night. Military personnel were celebrated and recognized before tipoff at 6 p.m.
Out the gate, KSU came to play jumping out on a lead. But the Miners would respond before the media timeout catching up 15-9. From then on, offensive firepower from UTEP showed too much for the Owls winning 24-16.
At the beginning of set two, UTEP would keep this momentum and not look back to dominate 25-15.
Kennesaw State came back strong, starting the match with a 2-0 lead, however the Owls lost their groove once the Miners fought back and ultimately won the close set 25-18.
For game one, UTEP leaders for kills (11) and aces (4) was junior outside hitter Ema Uskokovic. The trio of Miners that led with four blocks each, were freshman Luvina Oguntimehin, senior Danika Washington and junior middle blocker Kaya Weaver.
Game Two:
The following match would be Senior Day for the team. Each senior was recognized and given big ovations by the crowd for their work and dedication towards the program.
Kennesaw State came ready to play and outlasted the Miners clinching their first and only set of the day, 25-23.
UTEP woke up in the second set and came out firing with a 25-20 win and continued to control the day from there on.
With a comeback in the third set, the Miners picked up a bruising 26-24 win.
UTEP would take their momentum and crush the Owls 25-10 by putting the product on the floor for their final regular season game.
In game two, UTEP’s leaderboard once again saw an appearance from Uskokovic with 15 kills, followed by Weaver and junior Sara Pustahija with 10 kills each.
UTEP volleyball will now be looking ahead to the Conference USA Championship Tournament in which they hold the No. 2 seed, tailing behind Western Kentucky University. UTEP will make their first appearance in the tournament against No. 7 Liberty University in the quarterfinal round at Memorial Gym on Nov. 22 at 5 p.m.
Cameron Mason is a contributor for The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected].
