BROOKINGS, S.D. — The Ole Miss volleyball team secured a strong 3-1 victory over Wyoming to wrap up the SDSU Invitational, thanks to standout performances from Gabi Placide and Melia Johnson.
Placide led the Rebels with 21 kills while showcasing a hitting percentage of .391. Johnson contributed significantly as well, achieving a career-high 17 kills with an impressive .452 hitting percentage. Mokihana Tufono shone as the team’s setter, recording a double-double with 50 assists and 11 digs, while teammates Cammy Niesen and Cameron Bradley made their presence felt defensively with 15 and 12 digs, respectively. The Cowgirls were led by Addy Thorington, who collected 11 kills in the match.
The opening set saw both teams exchange points with early momentum favoring the Rebels, who took a brief 10-9 lead. However, Wyoming responded with a 4-0 scoring run and ultimately captured the first set 25-21 after extending their lead with a 6-1 run.
Determined to recover, the Rebels unleashed a powerful performance in the second set. Two quick kills from Carly Paugh and Johnson helped Ole Miss surge to an 8-2 lead. Johnson’s remarkable start continued as she notched eight kills on her initial 10 attempts. Building on a 16-9 lead, the Rebels sealed the set at 25-16, with Keirstyn Carlton contributing multiple critical kills.
Despite falling behind early in the third set, the Cowgirls rallied to take a 10-4 lead. The Rebels soon erased the deficit and even pulled within two points at 14-12, but Wyoming regained momentum, leading 18-13. A pivotal service run from Shayla Meyer, which included three aces, turned the tide for Ole Miss. The Rebels capitalized on the momentum shift, taking the set 25-22 with Placide delivering three of the final four kills.
In the fourth set, Ole Miss solidified its dominance, jumping out to an 11-5 lead. Their defense stifled Wyoming’s attacks, allowing the Cowgirls to hit at a dismal -.067 percentage in the final frame. Tessa Jones made significant contributions, recording three late blocks as the Rebels secured a 25-12 win.
Next, Ole Miss will focus on the upcoming Showdown at the Net, traveling to Coral Gables, Florida, to face off against Miami on Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m. CT. The match will be available for streaming on ACCNX.
Supporters can engage with the program by joining the ACE Club, which plays a crucial role in elevating the Ole Miss volleyball team’s competitive level. For those interested in attending matches, the Rebel Rewards program encourages fan participation and offers rewards for attendance. Fans can stay connected with Ole Miss Volleyball by following the team on social media platforms for the latest updates and exclusive content.