Arizona volleyball delivered a standout performance Tuesday night at the university’s home court, with senior outside hitter Carlie Cisneros emerging as the key contributor in a 3-1 win over the UTEP Miners (25-20, 27-25, 19-25, 26-24). The victory brings the Wildcats to a 5-6 overall record and positions them well heading into Big 12 competition.
Offensive firepower from the entire lineup
Cisneros posted a season‑high 15 kills, a .387 hitting percentage, two blocks (including a solo block) and 14 digs, earning a double‑double and 16.5 points. She also added three assists. All four starters recorded double‑digit kills, a first for the team this season, with Renee Jones, Kennedy Osunsanmi, and Destiny Ndam‑Simpson each reaching the 10‑kill mark.
Jones led the team with a .412 hitting percentage, while Cisneros, Jones, and Osunsanmi tied middle blockers Journey Tucker and Marina Vosloo with two total blocks each. The Wildcats’ setters also contributed solid numbers: Harmony Sample posted a second double‑double with 17 assists and 10 digs, and Maria Olga Siapani added 24 assists and nine digs.
Coach Stubbs praises depth and bench contributions
Head coach Rita Stubbs highlighted the importance of depth, noting that reserves such as sophomore middle blocker Maya Flemister, freshman outside hitter Hayden Reeder, and libero Gigi Whann stepped in effectively. “It was a great team effort,” Stubbs said. “Bringing players off the bench to give breathers and make a difference only happens when you have a group who believes in what’s going on.”
Match flow and key moments
The Wildcats opened the first set strong, never trailing after the opening point and building a 20-12 lead before UTEP narrowed the gap. Arizona closed the set 25-20. The second set proved tighter; UTEP fought back to force a 25-24 set point, but Arizona responded with a 3-0 run to take the set 27-25.
UTEP dominated the third set, never falling behind and winning 25-19. In the decisive fourth set, Arizona rallied from a 19-18 deficit, with Cisneros delivering four kills, two assists, and a solo block to secure the 26-24 finish. A late UTEP error sealed the win.
Coaching disputes and challenges
Both coaches engaged in several challenges during the match. UTEP head coach Ben Wallis disputed a potential touch by Cisneros on a match‑point ball, but video review upheld the call. The officiating exchanges added drama but did not alter the final outcome.
Looking ahead to Big 12 play
Arizona enters conference play with confidence, having won three of their last five matches. Their next test comes Sunday, Sept. 27, against No. 21 Colorado in Boulder, marking their third encounter with a ranked opponent this season. The Wildcats will also host Iowa State on Oct. 2, their fourth home match of the year.
Stubbs remains optimistic: “The conference is going to be competitive, but we’re feeling confident heading into set three and beyond.”
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
