BREAKING: SMU Volleyball’s historic season has come to a sudden end, falling to Purdue in the Sweet Sixteen with a final score of 3-1 (25-16, 19-25, 22-25, 27-29) in a thrilling match held in Pittsburgh.
The Mustangs started strong, racing to an impressive 9-1 lead in the first set, showcasing their determination and skill. However, despite this promising start, the match took a turn, mirroring their earlier defeat to Purdue on September 14, when they also lost in four sets.
In the opening set, SMU dominated, forcing Purdue to use both timeouts before managing to score more than three points. With a commanding advantage of 17-4, the Mustangs clinched the first set 25-16.
However, Purdue quickly adapted, exploiting weaknesses in SMU’s defense during the second set. The Mustangs managed to close the gap, trailing by just one point at one stage. Yet, a late 6-1 run by Purdue sealed the set for them at 25-19, shifting the momentum.
As the match progressed, tensions escalated. With the score tied at 20-20 in the third set, Purdue seized control, capitalizing on four costly errors from SMU to win 25-22.
The fourth set mirrored the earlier phases of the match. Tied at 15-15, SMU faltered, allowing Purdue to take an 18-15 lead after three straight errors. Nevertheless, the Mustangs fought back, regaining the lead at 23-22, but failed to close it out, ultimately losing 29-27, and with it, the match.
This result marks a disappointing end to an otherwise historic season for SMU Volleyball, who displayed tremendous skill and resilience throughout the tournament. With this victory, Purdue advances to its first regional final since 2021, where they will face the top-seeded team, Pitt.
Fans and supporters are left reflecting on the Mustangs’ remarkable journey and the emotional rollercoaster of this Sweet Sixteen match. As SMU concludes its season, the volleyball community eagerly anticipates what the future holds for the team and its talented players.
Stay tuned for more updates on college sports as we continue to cover the latest developments from the NCAA tournament.
