The volleyball team celebrates its second consecutive American Southwest Conference championship after its come-from-behind win over Mary Hardin-Baylor on Saturday night.
The UT Dallas volleyball team clinched its second straight American Southwest Conference Tournament championship on Saturday, rallying to beat Mary Hardin-Baylor, 21-25, 25-13, 22-25, 25-19, 15-12, in the title match.
The Comets (30-2), who became the first team from the loser’s bracket to win the double-elimination tournament, earned an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III National Championship. They will face Whitworth on Friday in the first round at the Activity Center.
Senior outside hitter Holyn Handley was named MVP of the conference tournament, while senior middle blocker Michelle Toro and freshman setter Caroline Shecterle joined Handley on the ASC All-Tournament Team.
In the championship final, UT Dallas matched the West Division champion UMHB blow-for-blow to win its fourth-ever ASC crown. Freshman Dylan Brinkman led the Comets with 18 kills, adding 18 digs and four aces. Handley had 13 kills with three blocks, while Emma Wallbrown had 11 kills and five blocks.
The No. 3-ranked Comets forced the tournament's final match with a sweep of the Cru, 25-20, 25-21, 25-19, earlier in the day after battling through another elimination match against East Texas Baptist.
Men’s Soccer
Members of the men's soccer team react to learning they will play Chapman University this weekend in the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament.
Senior Connor Crabtree scored his first two goals of the season as the UT Dallas men's soccer team picked up its second straight American Southwest Conference championship with a 2-0 victory over Hardin-Simmons, at the Comet Soccer Complex on Sunday afternoon.
The Comets (13-4-2) picked up their fourth ASC title in program history and claimed the league's automatic berth into the NCAA Division III National Championship, starting next weekend. UT Dallas will play Chapman University on Saturday at Trinity University in San Antonio.
After a scoreless opening half, Crabtree netted the game-winner in the 53rd minute with a header off the hands of HSU keeper Michael Vargas. Kevin Whatley centered the ball from deep in the right corner, allowing Crabtree to get enough of his head on the ball to find the back of the net. Crabtree then added an insurance goal in the 84th minute with another header, this time off a free kick from Danny Meyer.
Comets keeper Joseph Weber made four saves in his fifth shutout of the season.
Crabtree, a midfielder from Katy, was named MVP of the tournament, leading four Comets on the All-Tournament Team. Weber along with defenders Sam Konstanty and Kasden Williams also were named to the All-Tournament Team.