ODESSA, Texas - Junior libero Mari Hernandez recorded 19 digs, surpassing 1,000 for her career, as the UT Dallas volleyball team was swept by UT Permian Basin at the Falcon Dome Saturday afternoon. The host Falcons (6-11, 4-3 Lone Star Conference) defeated the Comets (3-13, 1-5 LSC) 26-24, 25-15, 25-22.

First Set Highlights
- UTD capitalized early with a 5-2 lead, highlighted by a service ace from Hernandez.  
- UTPB responded with a series of points to tie the set at 5-5, including a service ace from Kyndall Torres.  
- Both teams traded leads, but the Comets managed to pull ahead to 20-15 with Laura See contributing multiple kills.  
- The Falcons mounted a late comeback, erasing a 23-17 deficit with a run that included two service aces from Ashlee Macias, ultimately winning the set 26-24.

Second Set Highlights
- UT Permian Basin began with an early 5-2 edge, highlighted by back-to-back kills from Makenna Grimes.  
- UTD  responded with a service ace from Kira Braun, trimming the deficit to 11-8.  
- UTPB surged on a 6-2 run, including a kill by Nickilah Whatley, extending the lead to 17-10.  
- The Falcons maintained control, closing the set 25-15.

Third Set Highlights
- UTPB opened the set with a strong 5-0 run, including kills from Ashlee Macias and Grimes.  
- The Comets narrowed the gap to 8-7 following consecutive kills from Jane Burkhardt and Abby Gentner.  
- The Falcons regained momentum with a pair of service aces by Nickilah Whatley, extending their lead to 12-8.  
- UTD mounted a late comeback, closing within 23-21 after a service ace by Braun, but the home team secured the set 25-22 on an Amyah Collins kill.

Stats Breakdown
The Comets hit .121 with 29 kills, 6 aces, 5 blocks and 53 digs.
The Falcons hit .258 on 51 kills, 5 aces, 7 blocks and 71 digs.

UT Dallas Performances  
Mari Hernandez  - 19 digs. Now has 1,015 career digs, ranking 13th in program history.
Laura See  - 7 kills, .462 hitting percentage, 3 block assists
Abby Gentner - 23 assists, 13 digs 
Jane Burkhardt - 7 kills, 6 digs
Lauren Petty - 6 kills, 2 blocks

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UT Permian Basin Performances
Nickilah Whatley - 8 kills, 7 digs, 4 blocks
Kierra Freeman - 38 assists, 10 digs
Makenna Grimes - 12 kills, 10 digs  
Ashlee Macias - 10 kills, 10 digs
Kyndall Torres - 16 digs

Up Next
Looking ahead, the Comets are set to host Midwestern State on Friday, Oct. 17. The match is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the UTD Activity Center. Fans are directed to park in Parking Structure 4 off of Franklin Jennyfer Drive as Lot J will be closed.