SMU Volleyball Mustangs Outlast Alabama In Record-Setting Five-Set Thriller

DALLAS (SMU) – Three Mustangs recorded double-doubles and Sidney Stewart set an SMU record with 42 digs as SMU (3-3) fought off three match points to win a thrilling five-set victory (25-20, 23-25, 25-18, 18-25, 18-16) over Alabama (4-3) to wrap up the Doubletree Classic Saturday night in Moody Coliseum.

The Mustangs had 130 digs, breaking the record of 117 set in 2002, led by Stewart, who broke the SMU record held by Candice Davis. Stewart’s 42 digs were one away from the Conference USA mark of 43.

Dana Powell had 31 digs and 19 kills for her second double-double of the season. Kelli Becerra earned her second double-double of the season with 51 assists and 21 digs, and Savannah Myklebust achieved her first with 12 kills and 19 digs.

SMU secured the victory with a comeback win in the fifth set, erasing three match points to tie the set 14-14. The Mustangs rode the emotional lift to the match win, fighting off four match points in all.

After taking the first set in dominating fashion 25-20, the Mustangs came up just short of taking a two-set lead into the break. SMU trailed 19-13, but rallied to tie the set 22-22. The Crimson Tide bounced back to take a two-point set win, 25-23, to even the match.

SMU came out on a tear in the third set, taking a 10-3 lead which they never let slip away. The Crimson Tide didn’t get within three points the rest of the way. Alabama kept the match alive in the fourth set, taking a 25-18 win before SMU won in the fifth set.

SMU will travel to California this weekend to compete in the Long Beach Invitational, hosted by Long Beach State. The Mustangs’ first match is Friday against Oregon State at 1 p.m. CT.

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