Calvin Jensen, Sports Information Director, Utah State Eastern

Photo courtesy of Dallin Grant

In an epic battle that felt more like a championship showdown than a quarterfinal match, Utah State Eastern pushed the top-seeded Florida Southwestern State to the brink before falling 3-2 in an electrifying five-set clash. The Lady Eagles, who entered as the underdogs, showed the grit, determination, and incredible talent that have defined their season, but their valiant effort came up just short as the Buccaneers secured a 15-13 win in the deciding set.

The match began with a statement from Utah State Eastern, who dominated the opening set 25-18 behind an offensive onslaught led by Emilia Zug and Agata Zwierzynska. Zug’s 17 kills on the day were a testament to her unyielding energy, while Zwierzynska’s efficiency and poise resulted in 15 kills at a .393 hitting percentage. Their performance, combined with setter Agata Makowska’s 34 assists, kept the Eagles’ attack running smoothly and Florida Southwestern scrambling for answers.

The Buccaneers responded. In the second set, their powerhouse hitters, including Julija Grubisic Cabo and Abby Toeniskoetter, turned up the heat, leading their team to a narrow 26-24 victory. The second frame set the tone for what would become a back-and-forth duel, as both teams traded blistering rallies and timely defensive stands.

Eastern stumbled in the third set, managing only 11 kills while committing 10 errors, allowing the Buccaneers to seize control with a 25-16 win. But the USU Eastern refused to fold. Rallying in the fourth set, they regained their composure and took advantage of Zwierzynska’s clutch play and Rachel West’s presence at the net. West tallied nine kills and contributed critical blocks to swing momentum back to Eastern, who evened the match with a 25-23 win in the fourth.

The final set was nothing short of breathtaking. With the stakes at their highest, the Lady Eagles clawed their way through each point, refusing to let the Buccaneers pull away. Makowska’s precise sets and libero Marli Pearson’s defensive heroics, including eleven digs, kept Utah State Eastern within striking distance. But in the end, Florida Southwestern’s balanced attack proved just enough to edge out Eastern, sealing the match with a 15-13 win.

While the loss was heartbreaking, the USU Eastern proved they could stand toe-to-toe with the nation’s best as mentioned by all in attendance. The match will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament, cementing Utah State Eastern’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

Now, with a shot at fifth place still in play, the Eagles will regroup and refocus as they enter the consolation bracket.  The Lady Eagles will meet preseason foe, No. 5 Northeastern Junior College who handed them back-to-back five-set losses back in September.  It all begins today at 4:00 p.m. CT on the NJCAA Network.