RICHARDSON, Texas — Midwestern State (13-4, 6-2 Lone Star) edged UT Dallas (3-14, 1-6 Lone Star) in a thrilling five-set match on Friday evening at the UTD Activity Center, claiming victory with scores of 25-23, 21-25, 25-19, 18-25, 15-6. 

Midwestern State's efficient offensive performance in the decisive fifth set, hitting .421, secured the win.

Midwestern State opened the first set with a strong start, achieving an early 4-0 lead, highlighted by a service ace from Trinity Vinzant and two attack errors from UT Dallas's Jane Burkhardt. This initial momentum helped the Mustangs maintain an edge despite some back-and-forth play, with key kills by Arrianna Fields and Isabella Dickens contributing to the score.

UT Dallas managed to rally and briefly tied the score at 6-6, propelled by service aces from Burkhardt. MSU countered effectively, with Dickens and Vinzant each recording kills to break the tie and regain the lead. The teams exchanged points closely, but the Maroon & Gold managed to stay ahead, thanks to contributions from Jaiden Wright and key attack errors from the Comets.

As the set neared its conclusion, Midwestern State extended their lead with decisive kills from Fields and Vinzant. Despite a late push from UTD, which saw them close the gap to 24-23, a timely attack error by Camryn Kerlick of UT Dallas sealed the set for MSU, closing it at 25-23.

The second set began with the Mustangs looking to build momentum after a competitive first set. Vinzant and Dickens led the charge with crucial kills, keeping the score tight in the early exchanges. However, the Comets capitalized on multiple attack errors and effective blocks to extend their lead to 10-2.

Midwestern State mounted a strong comeback late in the set, driven by a series of successful plays from Demi Stauffenberg and Fields, tying the set 19-19. Despite this surge, UTD managed to pull away in the closing moments, securing the set with a 25-21 win.

The Mustangs began the third set with a steady start, capitalizing on an attack error by the Comets to take an early lead. Vinzant and Alayna Guerrero connected for a kill, and Guerrero followed up with a service ace to put MSU ahead 5-3. The visitors responded to a brief surge from UTD by regaining momentum thanks to key plays from Dickens and Stauffenberg, keeping the score tight at 11-11.

Midwestern State then gained control, with Guerrero setting up multiple kills for Fields and Dickens, contributing to a 13-11 advantage. Despite UTD leveling the score, the Maroon & Gold pulled ahead again through successful plays by Fields and Vinzant, eventually extending the lead to 20-17. The set concluded with a decisive run, highlighted by kills from Fields and Stauffenberg, sealing a 25-19 victory in the third set.

Midwestern State opened the fourth set with resilient efforts, capitalizing on an early attack error by UTD to level the score at 1-1. A block by Guerrero and Dickens tied the score at 3-3, showcasing defensive strength. Despite a service error, the team managed to keep the set close with a kill from Dickens bringing the score to 4-4.

Midway through the set, the Mustangs showed tenacity as Vinzant and Fields executed crucial kills, keeping the score tight at 8-8. The team's efforts were supported by steady assists from Guerrero. However, the Comets responded with a series of successful plays that edged them ahead, resulting in a 16-11 deficit for MSU.

In the closing stages, Midwestern State fought back with strategic kills from Vinzant and Fields, narrowing the gap to 23-17. Despite efforts to close the set, UTD secured the final points, concluding the set with a 25-18 victory over MSU.

Midwestern State opened the fifth set with a decisive offensive push, as Stauffenberg recorded an early kill from Guerrero, setting the tone for the set. The team built momentum with a series of kills by Dickens and Wright, along with a key block by Wright and Guerrero that resulted in an attack error by the opposition.

A service ace from Guerrero extended the lead, while additional kills by Wright and Stauffenberg increased the separation. Giselle Cazares contributed with two service aces, and another kill by Dickens widened the margin. The Mustangs maintained control throughout the set, with Stauffenberg and Guerrero sealing the set with crucial points.

The set concluded with Midwestern State securing a 15-6 victory.

Dickens led MSU with 15 kills and contributed significantly at the net with five total blocks, amassing 18.5 points. Vinzant added 14 kills and 14 digs, finishing with a total of 15.5 points. Stauffenberg matched the team-high with 15 digs and also recorded 15 kills, totaling 15 points. Guerrero facilitated the offense with 49 assists and contributed defensively with 10 digs.

Up next for the Maroon & Gold is a road contest against UT Tyler on October 18. The match will take place at the Louise Herrington Patriot Center, with the first serve at 2 p.m.
 
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