TOWSON, Md. – The Towson University volleyball team wrapped up the Cougar Challenge with the UC Irvine Anteaters. The Tigers (7-3) defeated the Anteaters in four sets for the first time in program history (2-7) 25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 25-16.  
 
Nina Cajic led everyone with 14 kills on a .379 hitting percentage with three total blocks and one ace. Victoria Barrett had 11 kills, seven digs and four total blocks.
 
Key Stats vs UC Irvine:

• Towson limited UC Irvine to a .099 hitting percentage.
• The Tigers accumulated 15 total blocks, the second-highest tally this season.
• Towson finished with 51 kills, the third time this year that the Tigers have 50 or more kills in a match.

 
How It Happened vs UC Irvine:

• Towson started the opening set with a 7-1 run, highlighted by a Sydney Stewart ace, which forced a timeout by the Anteaters.
• UC Irvine cut the deficit down to four, then the Tigers scored three consecutive points, including an ace by Kerra Trimble to have a 13-6 edge.
• The Anteaters trailed by four again after three straight points, but a 4-0 run by Towson led by back-to-back kills from Erin Brothers gave the Tigers a 17-9 lead.
• UC Irvine countered with a 4-0 run to trail 17-13, then a 4-1 run restored a seven-point advantage for the Tigers.
• The teams went back and forth for the rest of the first set, giving Towson a 25-19 first set victory.
• The second set started with four lead changes before the Tigers got a 9-6 lead after back-to-back kills from Victoria Barrett and Nina Cajic.
• The Anteaters tied the score at ten with a 4-1 run, but Towson countered with a 4-1 run themselves led by Irbe Lazda's two kills to regain a three-point advantage.
• The Tigers continued to hold on to a narrow lead before going on another 4-1 run to take a 21-16 lead.
• Both teams continued to battle back and forth, but Stewart's second ace sealed the second set, 25-20, in favor of the Tigers.
• Towson jumped out to a 5-1 lead led by Stewart's third ace of the match and two kills from Brothers.
• The Tigers held on to a narrow advantage, then the Anteaters went on a 6-1 run to have a 12-10 lead.
• Towson cut the deficit down to one, then UC Irvine took control of the third set with a 10-2 run to lead 23-14.
• The Tigers tried to make a late comeback by scoring six consecutive points, but consecutive kills by Isabella Scarlett gave the third set to the Anteaters, 25-20.
• Towson started the fourth set with an 11-2 run that included four consecutive kills from Aayinde Smith.
• UC Irvine cut the deficit down to six, then three attack errors by the Anteaters gave the Tigers a nine-point advantage.
• Both teams went back and forth, but Towson held on to a consistent lead and won the set 25-16.

 
Inside the Numbers vs UC Irvine:

• Aayinde Smith finished with a season-high ten kills and added six total blocks.
• Erin Brothers tied a career-high with seven kills on .545 hitting percentage and had six total blocks.
• Sarah Jordan had 26 assists and nine digs, while Maisie Jesse finished with 13 assists and six digs.
• Six different Tigers finished with multiple blocks.
• Irbe Lazda was named to the Cougar Challenge All-Tournament team.

 
Up Next:

• The Tigers start Coastal Atlantic Association (CAA) play against the Hampton Lady Pirates on Sept. 16th & 17th on FloVolleyball.