UTSA let a 2-1 lead slip away in a five-set loss to Rice, falling 18-25, 25-20, 25-19, 18-25, 11-15. Gigi Mason made an impact in her return, sharing the team lead with 13 kills as the Roadrunners dropped to 12-12 overall and 3-10 in American Conference play.

By the Numbers
  • Mason and Isabella Arroyave each had 13 kills; Arroyave also recorded 15 digs.
  • Alyssa Manitzas set a career high with 27 digs, and UTSA totaled a season-high 80.
  • Ledisi Kpea had 8 blocks, while Valeria Ortiz recorded a career-best 29 assists.
  • Rice improved to 16-9 overall and 10-3 in conference play; UTSA is 1-5 in five-set conference matches.
Yes, But

UTSA showed its potential by winning the second and third sets and holding Rice to a .186 hitting percentage. But Rice took control in the fourth set, then won six of seven rallies after the fifth-set score was tied 5-5.

What's Next

UTSA hosts Wichita State on Sunday, seeking to avenge an earlier five-set loss and end a six-match skid. The match will stream on ESPN+.

Bottom Line

Mason’s strong return and career-best defensive efforts weren’t enough to overcome Rice’s late momentum. UTSA needs to turn those flashes into a complete match as it looks to stop its losing streak.