ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Mississippi Christian fell to UT Tyler 3-0 Saturday at Duke Wells Center. The Patriots won sets 25-20, 25-16, and 25-18.
Mississippi Christian finished with 31 kills and a .076 hitting percentage, while UT Tyler hit .194. The Patriots also led in service aces 8-1.
The Choctaws controlled much of the first set before UT Tyler used a 7-0 run to erase a 17-13 deficit and take a 20-17 lead. Mississippi Christian pulled within three points after a service error and a block by Cydney Mitchell but could not complete the comeback, losing 25-20.
In the second set, UT Tyler seized momentum early with a 6-5 lead turning into an 11-5 advantage. Mississippi Christian responded with a block by Mitchell but could not close the gap, falling 25-16.
The third set saw the Choctaws fight to stay in the match. UT Tyler built a 14-6 lead before Mississippi Christian rallied with four straight points. Kills from Mary Grace Foster, Mamie Fromdahl, and Maeve Allen helped narrow the gap to 14-10. Despite a late push, the Patriots sealed the match with a 25-18 win.
Mitchell led Mississippi Christian defensively with five blocks, including four solo efforts, and added four kills with a .333 hitting percentage. Foster topped the team with eight kills and three digs. Samarin Kipple contributed 18 digs and five assists, while Fromdahl posted 14 assists and eight digs.
The Choctaws remain in Arkadelphia for their second match of the day, facing Missouri S&T at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
