Arizona volleyball finally halted a nine‑match losing streak on Sunday in Lubbock, Texas, when the Wildcats rallied to defeat Texas Tech 3‑2. The victory was sparked by a spectacular performance from freshman middle blocker Marina Vosloo, who posted a career‑best 14 kills on .571 hitting, added seven total blocks and recorded an ace for a personal high of 18.5 points.
Coach Stubbs praises Vosloo’s impact
Head coach Rita Stubbs lauded the rookie’s effort, saying, “Marina was absolutely amazing as an attacker and overall player. She even had an ace. It was nice that we were able to connect behind the setter today.” Vosloo entered the match in the first set, replacing sophomore Kristen Dear, a move that reflects Stubbs’ ongoing adjustments to find the right lineup.
Supporting contributions across the roster
Senior Journey Tucker continued to anchor the middle, finishing with five kills on .364 hitting and six total blocks, including a solo block. Setter Harmony Sample showed growth in the front row, delivering 41 assists, nine digs, six blocks and two kills on .286 hitting. Fifth‑year outside hitter Kennedy Osunsanmi added 11 kills and two blocks for 12 points, while Destiney Ndam‑Simpson posted nine kills, 19 digs and three blocks for 11 points.
Outside hitter Carlie Cisneros came close to a double‑double with eight kills, ten digs, two aces and a block for 10.5 points. The Wildcats’ bench also made a difference; Renee Jones entered on the right side in the second set and contributed two kills, helping Arizona pull ahead 27‑25 to even the match.
Match flow and key moments
The contest was a back‑and‑forth affair, typical of two teams with only one conference win each. Texas Tech surged to a five‑point lead early in the first set, but Arizona trimmed the margin to one before stalling at 20‑18 and taking the set by a single point.
In the second set, Arizona built a 21‑14 lead before a spate of errors—two net calls and three straight hitting mistakes—allowed Texas Tech to edge ahead 23‑22. The Wildcats responded, with Vosloo, Jones and Cisneros each adding kills, and secured the set 27‑25.
The third set saw Arizona dominate early, leading 16‑7. Texas Tech narrowed the gap to 16‑13 but could not score more than three additional points, giving Arizona the set and the win.
In the fourth set, the Wildcats fell behind 14‑8, then rallied with a six‑point run to tie the score. Vosloo’s two kills and Maria Olga ‘Mo’ Siapani’s two aces propelled Arizona to an 18‑15 lead, which they never relinquished.
Looking ahead
Coach Stubbs summed up the effort: “We went in and competed as a group. Got some good help from the bench. Renee going in making a difference. Marina going in making a difference. Mo did a great job of serving.” The Wildcats now have a week off before facing No. 9 Arizona State in Tucson on Nov. 15. Arizona lost that rivalry 3‑1 in Tempe last month, so the upcoming game offers a chance to build on the momentum generated by Vosloo’s breakout performance.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
