ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - The UT Dallas volleyball team edged out Mississippi College in a five-set thriller, 25-21, 18-25, 20-25, 25-18, 15-7, at the Duke Wells Center Saturday to start the second day of the Reddie-Tiger Invitational. 

In the first set, the Comets (2-5) established an early 3-1 lead, highlighted by two kills from freshman Jane Burkhardt set up by Sydney Sabin. The Choctaws (2-5) responded with a 5-1 run, taking advantage of multiple assists from Reese Regner to lead 6-5. UTD rebounded with a 4-0 rally, capped by a service ace from Sabin, to regain a 10-9 advantage. A series of errors by MC allowed UTD to close on a strong 6-2 run, securing the set 25-21 with a final service ace by Mari Hernandez.

MC started the second set with an early 2-0 lead, capitalizing on a service ace by Felicity Pratt. The Comets responded, tying the score at 7-7 with a kill from Burkhardt and a block by Lila Westphal. However, the Choctaws went on a decisive 9-1 run, highlighted by multiple blocks and kills from Holland Williams and Ellie Foco, creating a 16-8 advantage. UTD narrowed the gap late with a 5-0 rally, featuring two kills from Moriah Johnson, but Mississippi College closed the set 25-18 on a kill by Rhaia Davey.

In the third set, UTD started strong with a service ace by Sabin, giving an early 1-0 lead. Mississippi College then went on a 7-0 run, highlighted by multiple kills from Mary Grace Foster and a service ace from Samarin Kipple, to gain an 8-2 advantage. Johnson's consistent play helped the Comets cut the deficit to 12-9 with two kills during a brief surge. MC maintained control with a 5-0 run, extending their lead to 22-14, and ultimately secured the set 25-20 on a kill by Davey.

The fourth set showcased a commanding performance from UTD as they started with a 3-1 lead, highlighted by two kills from Johnson, both assisted by Sabin. Johnson continued her strong performance, contributing to a 5-2 advantage with another kill, this time assisted by Hernandez. A 4-0 run by UTD, featuring kills from Burkhardt and Sabin, extended the lead to 11-5. The Comets maintained control, with Johnson tallying crucial points to keep a comfortable margin, closing the set at 25-18 with a kill from sophomore middle blocker Melia Mendoza-Flores, assisted by Abby Gentner.

In the decisive fifth set, UTD secured a commanding 15-7 victory, highlighted by Johnson's three consecutive kills that spearheaded an impressive 5-0 run, extending their lead to 9-3. A service ace from Averi Frazier pushed the score to 11-4, adding to the Comets' commanding advantage. A final point off a Mississippi College service error sealed the set and match for Texas-Dallas.

The Comets hit .259 with 65 kills, seven aces, eight blocks and 64 digs. The Choctaws recorded a .273 percentage on 59 kills, five aces, 11 blocks and 56 digs.

UT Dallas Performances
Moriah Johnson - 21 kills, .360 hitting percentage
Laura See - 8 kills, .412 percentage, 4 blocks
Abby Gentner - second double-double of the season with 24 assists, 12 digs and 3 aces
Jane Burkhardt - second double-double with 18 kills and 12 digs for 19.5 points.
Mari Hernandez  - 17 digs, 1 ace, 4 assists
Sydney Sabin - 26 assists, 2 aces

Mississippi College Performances
Mary Grace Foster - 15 kills, 20 assists, 4 blocks
Ellie Foco - 11 kills, 1 block
Rhaia Davey - 12 kills, 4 blocks
Samarin Kipple - 16 digs, 5 assists

Up Next
UTD will wrap up the Reddie-Tiger Invitational with host Henderson State at 4 p.m. Saturday.