HATTIESBURG, MS – HCU volleyball returned to action today for a doubleheader at the Southern Miss Invitational. After a rough loss on Friday, the Huskies rallied together for matchups against both Jackson State and Southern U.
In the first matchup against Jackson State, HCU kept a close game in the first set until Jackson State made a strong four-point run, giving them a good lead and allowing them to close out the first set 25-19. HCU fought back in the second set, taking a 17-12 lead late in the set, and carrying the lead to win the set 25-21. The third set saw a strong rally from Jackson State, scoring fast and early to win the set 25-10. Down 24-21 late in the fourth set, the Huskies found some momentum to score five straight points and win the set 26-24, forcing a fifth set. In the fifth set, both teams went back and forth scoring points, but ultimately ended in favor of Jackson State 15-13, giving them the win, 3-2 in five sets.
In the last game of the weekend, Southern U started strong, winning the first set 25-21 after some more back-and-forth scoring between the two teams. HCU found a way to rally back in the second set, earning an 11-point lead early and going on to win the set 25-15. Using the shift in momentum, HCU started the third set on a 7-1 run and carried the momentum to win the set 25-18. The Huskies closed out a competitive fourth set, battling back from a 16-13 deficit to win the set 27-25, winning their second game of the 2026 season 3-1.
Today, the Huskies were led offensively by junior
Katy Barger, who added 27 kills in both games, while
Enisilina Savelio gathered 80 assists and 13 digs on the day.
Bianca Byerly had a strong defensive effort today with 36 digs through both games.
The Huskies return to the court next weekend in Houston for the Flo Hyman Classic. On Thursday, Sep. 17, HCU will play their first home game of the season against UTSA at 6 pm and will be streamed on ESPN+. On Friday, Sep. 18, HCU will match up against the Texas State Bobcats at the UH Fertitta Center at 2:30. To close out the Flo Hyman Classic, the Huskies will face Houston for the second time this season on Saturday, Sep. 19, at 6:30, which will also be streamed on ESPN+.
