SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Texas State volleyball won the I-35 battle on Wednesday night after a four-set match with UTSA. The Bobcats night was highlighted by gritty defense that tallied 13 total blocks and a heavy hitting third and fourth set on the way to the win.
 
The Bobcats got off to a slow start in set one that they were able to overcome in the latter half of the set. Despite finding themselves down 24-16, the Bobcats were able to put together a run to find a 26-24 win in set one. Highlighted by a string of serves from Ryann Torres and three big blocks from the Bobcat defense, Texas State snuck away with set one.
 
UTSA was able to get out to an early lead in set 2, going up 8-1 after a handful of Bobcat errors. From there, the Roadrunners were able to go up 21-10 after another run. Texas State fought to bring the set back within six at one point, but ran out of time as UTSA won set two 25-19.
 
Set three was a battle between both sides despite UTSA having a narrow advantage early. Texas State was able to bring itself from a 10-4 deficit to tie it at 13. From there, it was back and forth up until the end. The team swung a match-high .375 during the third set on their way. While battling to a tied 23-23 score, Texas State was able to find points when it needed thanks to back-to-back kills by Bailey Hanner to seal the third set win.
 
The Bobcats were able to win the game in four sets after a dominate fourth set. After going up 7-13, Texas State held a comfortable lead. From there, the Bobcats pushed themselves to a 22-10 lead and held UTSA to just six more points in the set on their way to the win. 
 
Texas State will look to Friday for its next match against in-state foe Texas A&M. That match in College Station will be at 6:30 pm and streamed on ESPN+.

STAT LEADERS

• Kills – Caelyn Emmerling (14)
• Assists – Ryann Torres (40)
• Service Aces – Alyssa Ortega (3)
• Blocks – Jade Defraeye (9)
• Digs – Alyssa Ortega (15)

 
SCORES BY SET

• 1st | Texas State 26, UTSA 24
• 2nd | Texas State 19, UTSA 25
• 3rd | Texas State 25, UTSA 23
• 4^th | Texas State 25, UTSA 16

UP NEXT
Texas State will continue its 2024 campaign with another match versus in-state foe Texas A&M on Friday at 6:30 pm. After this, the Bobcats will continue the road slate and head to Hawaii for three matches, two versus Hawaii and one with Oregon State. The Bobcats home opener will be in October for a series with Troy on the 4^th and 5^th.

FOLLOW US
For the latest information on the team, follow @TexasStateVball on Twitter, @TxStateVolleyball on Instagram and Facebook. General athletic news can also be at @TxStateBobcats on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.