PENSACOLA, Fla. — The University of West Florida secured a 3-1 victory over Southwest Minnesota State University in the SpringHill Suites Invitational on Saturday at PenAir Field House.
The first set opened with Southwest Minnesota State taking an early 2-0 lead, thanks to a kill by Ashley Peltier and an attack error by
Aniston Cochran. West Florida responded with a series of kills, including contributions from
Talya Sampson and
Rowan Kage, leveling the score multiple times. Despite a strong effort, the Mustangs secured a 1-0 advantage with a 25-19 victory.
The Argos took control early in the second set, capitalizing on a Mustang service error to begin the scoring.
Kumara Flanagain contributed two consecutive kills, with
Maddie Mire and Moulton providing the assists, setting the tone for the Argos' offense. Sampson and
Emily Breazeale each added crucial kills to further extending the lead. SMSU struggled with attack errors, allowing the Argos to maintain momentum and build a substantial lead. The set concluded with a kill from
Lili Gegovic, assisted by Mire, sealing a 25-16 victory for West Florida.
In a tightly contested third set, the Argos edged out the Mustangs with a 25-23 victory. Moulton played a key role, contributing multiple assists, including to Flanagain and Cochran, who each delivered crucial kills. The Mustangs kept the score close with consistent play from Mollie Rupp and Reese Drake, maintaining pressure throughout. The set concluded with consecutive attack errors by Southwest Minnesota State, allowing the Argos to secure the set win and a 2-1 advantage.
The Argos secured a 25-22 victory in the final set against Southwest Minnesota State to clinch the match. They capitalized on a series of attack errors by the Mustangs, with Flanagain and Breazeale contributing crucial blocks and kills. Mire's serving facilitated a 6-0 run, extending the Argos' lead to 8-2. The Mustangs attempted a comeback with Makenzie Walsh leading the charge, but the Argos maintained their composure. The match concluded with an attack error by Josie Pundt, giving West Florida the match.
Flanagain led the Argonauts offensively, posting 11 kills on 19 attempts for a .579 clip, and contributing two solo blocks. Moulton facilitated the offense with 31 assists and added 14 digs. Mire led the defense with 22 digs to anchor the backline. Cochran contributed across the board with eight kills, two service aces, and three total blocks.
2026 SpringHill Suites Invitational All-Tournament Team
Mya Krystosek - SMSU
Lindsay Kruse - SMSU
Gabi Moulton - UWF
Ashley Peltier - SMSU
Kumara Flanagain - UWF
Emily Breazeale - UWF
Up next, the Argos will travel to Spartanburg, South Carolina to participate in the Big South Tournament. UWF will open play against Alabama State on Friday, September 4 at 11:00 a.m. Live stats will be available on GoArgos.com.
For more information on the UWF volleyball program, visit GoArgos.com and follow the team on social media at @uwfvolleyball (Instagram) and @UWFVolleyball (X).
