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FOLEY, Ala. – South Alabama volleyball fell to Texas State in five sets in Saturday's Sun Belt Conference Championship semifinal at Foley Events Center.

USA (18-13) won the opening set 25-15 to take a 1-0 lead in the match before Texas State evened the match at 1-1 with a 25-19 win in set two. The Bobcats won set three 25-19 for a 2-1 lead, but a 25-23 Jaguar win in set four forced a fifth and deciding set. South Alabama earned match point at 14-12 in the fifth set on a kill by Maddie Soboleski, but the Bobcats reeled off four straight points to earn a 16-14 win in the set to clinch the match. 

Kailey Keeble recorded her 21st double-double of the season, finishing with 52 assists and 16 digs in addition to one kill, two service aces and one block. Her 21 double-doubles this season ranks second on the Jaguar single-season record list. Hannah Maddux finished with 19 kills, and also added one service ace, three digs and one block. Soboleski also recorded 19 kills, and added one service ace, eight digs and one block. 

Morgan Stalcup totaled 12 kills, a .550 hitting percentage, one assist and one block, and Rachel Hickey posted a game-high 23 digs, along with four assists and one service ace.

South Alabama recorded 12 service aces – its second-highest total in a match this season. Texas State finished with a .282 team hitting percentage and 11 total blocks, while the Jags hit .220 and finished with six total blocks. The loss marked South Alabama's first in the SBC Championship since the 2020 season, and its first under head coach Jesse Ortiz.

QUOTES
Head Coach Jesse Ortiz
- On the loss:
"The first time we had them (Texas State) at our house, we went toe-to-toe. They got us the first day and we got them the second. I feel like we're pretty evenly matched. I loved our serving today and our tenacity. I thought we matched up pretty well. Kudos to them, they are an offensive machine and I have to do a better job of helping my group stop that group. I thought it was a good match, we just came up a little short tonight."

- On the season:
"I think we had some games we left on the table. But I feel like we are one of the best teams in the country, and I love my group. I'm proud of where we're at right now. We definitely could be a team that is playing in the Sun Belt championship again, Texas State just edged us out there at the end and we weren't able to capitalize."

- On the seniors:
"I love Alayna's (Maslinski) brain, tenacity and work ethic, and I appreciate all that she did. Morgan Stalcup – just coming in there grinding and working hard, and being the big brain, team leader and the mother hen to our group, and just showing them what it is to be a professional. And Rachel Hickey is a tremendous ball handler and volleyball player. She is one of the better liberos that I've ever had. I just thank them for their leadership and combined effort. And honestly I appreciate them giving me a shot, because they did and I'll never forget it."

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