Tarleton State University Athletics

STEPHENVILLE, Texas - Texan Volleyball falls to Utah Tech on Thursday 3-1 (25-22, 25-17, 25-22, 25-16). The Texans are 2-2 in conference play  

Madison Rice-Locket spearheaded the Texans' offense with 13 kills, while LaNeah Lara and Breannah Peterson contributed 11 kills each. Emma Burke led the Texans defense at the net with 6 blocks. Megan Hodges set the Texans offense up with 24 assists and Teya Nguyen followed with 17 assists. Morgan Carter anchored the Texan defense in the back row with 15 digs.  

Tarleton State started the set with Hodges on serve, and Tehana Mo'o led the initial attack, though an early error put the Texans behind. Burke and Rice-Locket quickly stepped up, contributing crucial kills and assists to keep the team in contention. Leddy Rae Guinn came in as a substitute and made an immediate impact with aggressive serves and attacks, while Burke continued to find opportunities at the net. As the set progressed, Lara and Peterson entered the match, adding firepower and helping Tarleton State fight back through a series of kills and well-placed serves. Nguyen also made key contributions, combining with Rice-Locket and Burke on attacks that briefly put the Texans ahead in the mid-set rallies. Throughout the set, the Texans battled with strong offensive swings and occasional service aces, and their blocks and coordinated attacks often forced errors and extended points. Late in the set, Rice-Locket, and Lara delivered critical kills to narrow the margin, but despite multiple rallies and moments of momentum, Tarleton State ultimately fell 22-25. 

Tarleton State came out strong, taking control early with aggressive attacks and consistent serving that put the team ahead in the first few points. Madison Frank and Rice-Locket contributed key kills to keep the Texans in rhythm, while Guinn provided a spark with a service ace that energized the offense. Rice-Locket and Burke led the charge at the net, combining for several powerful kills to extend rallies and maintain momentum. Peterson, Lara, and Carter added crucial offensive firepower, delivering kills and service aces that widened the lead and kept the opposing team on the defensive. In the final stretch, Frank helped close out the set with a decisive kill, while smart plays and consistent execution ensured Tarleton State secured a convincing 25-17 victory. 

Tarleton State opened Set 3 trading points in the early rallies, with Madison Frank and Megan Hodges delivering key kills to keep the Texans close. Rice-Locket immediately energized the offense with a service ace, followed by several strong attacks that extended rallies.  Rice-Locket and Emma Burke anchored the net, both tallying multiple kills and timely assists that kept Tarleton State in striking distance. Peterson and Nguyen contributed crucial points with kills and smart distribution of the ball, helping the Texans fight through tight stretches. In the late stages, Rice-Locket, Peterson, and Lara produced decisive kills, but a few errors and missed opportunities allowed Utah Tech to secure the set 25-22. Despite the setback, Tarleton State showcased resilience, teamwork, and competitive fire.  

The Texans opened the fourth and final set struggling to find momentum but began to find rhythm behind a solo block from Burke and a kill from Alyssa Dinh. Burke, Rice-Locket, and Frank continued to steady the Texans attack, but a combination of errors and Utah Tech's consistent execution allowed the opposition to pull away. Despite the challenge, Tarleton State battled point for point but ultimately fell 16-25, closing out the match with resilience and determination.  

The Texans will return to Wisdom Gym on Saturday at 1 PM to take on Southern Utah for Military Appreciation Night.