BREAKING: SMU volleyball’s remarkable season has come to a sudden end as they fell to Purdue in the Sweet 16, losing in four intense sets: 25-16, 19-25, 22-25, 27-29. The match, held in Pittsburgh, echoed the earlier encounter on September 14, where SMU also suffered a four-set defeat to the Boilermakers.
The Mustangs started off strong, jumping to a staggering 9-1 lead in the first set, forcing Purdue to call both timeouts before they could even score three points. SMU cruised to a convincing 25-16 victory in the opener, showcasing their determination and skill.
However, things took a turn in the second set as Purdue exploited a weakness in the SMU defense, repeatedly tipping balls over the block. Despite a valiant effort from the Mustangs to close the gap to just one point, a decisive 6-1 run by Purdue clinched the set 25-19.
With the match tied at 20 in the third set, the pressure mounted. Purdue demonstrated their composure, finishing strong on a 5-2 run, capitalizing on four crucial errors from SMU. The Mustangs found themselves in a familiar position, trailing once again.
In the fourth set, deja vu struck as Purdue took an 18-15 lead after three consecutive errors from SMU. Yet, the Mustangs fought back, regaining the lead at 23-22. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to seal the victory, ultimately losing the set 29-27 and the match 3-1.
With this victory, Purdue advances to their first regional final since 2021, where they will face the top-seeded Pitt. The end of the season marks a significant moment for SMU, who have made remarkable strides this year, leaving fans heartbroken yet proud of the team’s achievements.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on this developing story as we continue to cover college sports.
