KNOXVILLE, Tenn – The Marist volleyball team went 0-2 on day one of the Tennessee Classic as the Red Foxes fell to Texas State in three sets, and then fell in four sets to UT-Martin in their second match of the day.
 

Texas State Recap

• The Red Foxes and Bobcats battled early in set one for the lead as Sasha van der Merwe tallied a quick four kills in the set for Marist.
• The Bobcats were able to go on multiple runs to help gain the lead as they closed out set one 25-17.
• In set two the Bobcats got off to a hot start as they took an early 9-1 lead Marist was able to cut down the lead as Gabriella Heimbauer & Jordan Newblatt were able to help the Red Foxes cut down the lead however TSU closed out the set with a score of 25-15.
• The Red Foxes and Bobcats kicked off set three by battling for control of the lead as both teams went on multiple scoring runs.
• Marist were aided by multiple kills by van der Merwe later in the set to cut down the TSU lead however the Bobcats were able to go on a 5-1 scoring run to win the set 25-17 to close out the match.

UT Martin Recap

• Marist got off to an early battle with the Skyhawks as they juggled back and forth for the lead early in set one. However, the Skyhawks were able to go on four-point scoring run to take a 13-10 lead over Marist.
• Outside hitters Sasha van der Merwe and Gabriella Heimbauer were able to tally a combined 10 kills to help cut down the Skyhawks lead later in the set, but the Skyhawks were able to close out set one 25-20.
• UT Martin & Marist battled once again early in set two for the lead as both teams were able to go on multiple scoring runs.
• The Skyhawks were able to grow a 15-10 lead after going on a 6-2 run however Marist was able to go on a run of their own as they regained the lead after going on 12-3 run as the Red Foxes were able to take set two by a score of 25-22.
• In set three Marist got off to a hot start as they grew a early 8-2 lead.
• The Skyhawks answered back as they went on a scoring run of their own 13-10.
• Marist answered back as van der Merwe, Claire Lewis, and Heimbauer tallied kills for the Red Foxes.
• The Skyhawks were able to find a groove late in the set as they took off on a 10-1 scoring run to regain the lead and close out the set with a score of 25-19.
• In set four Marist and UT Martin once again juggled for an early lead in the set.
• The Skyhawks were able to go on a 3-0 run as the Red Foxes answered with a scoring run of their own as both teams were all tied at 13-13.
• The Red Foxes and Skyhawks once again battled for control of the lead as there were multiple lead changes; however, UT Martin was able to jump out to an 19-15 lead.
• Marist was able to go on a crucial late scoring run within the set to help tie up the set at 25 apiece as they headed for extra points.
• The Red Foxes and Skyhawks were in a seesaw battle to close out set four as both teams were exchanging points, but UT Martin was able to close out the set by a score of 29-27 to win the match.

 

Stats

• van der Merwe had a team-high eight points against Texas State, with seven kills and an ace. She tied Heimbauer for the team lead with seven kills.
• Katherine Thompson led Marist with eight digs against Texas State.
• van der Merwe then totaled 29 kills and 11 digs against UT Martin.
• Thompson had 17 digs against UT Martin.
• Lewis tallied 44 assists against UT Martin.

 

Up Next

• The Red Foxes will continue to be on the road as they take on Tennessee on day two of the Tennessee Classic on Saturday Aug 26.
• The match is set for a 12:30 p.m. start time.