LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV volleyball squad (6-4) ended its nonconference schedule with a four-set triumph over Southern Utah (1-10) on Saturday afternoon on the third and final day of the Dig In The Desert tournament. The Rebels claimed the four-set affair at The Pavilion 25-10, 32-30, 18-25, 25-21.

HOW IT WENT DOWN: The Scarlet & Gray outhit the WAC squad by 135 points (.243 to .108) despite the latter owning an advantage in digs (55-54). UNLV was dominant once again in service aces, collecting a match-high nine aces compared to SUU's seven aces. Additionally, the Scarlet & Gray topped the charts in assists (51-36), while the Thunderbirds led in blocks (22.0-17.0). The Rebels opened the affair with a dominant .737 hitting percentage, while the Thunderbirds hit -.150 in the first set. After hitting just .053 in the third set, UNLV recorded a .235 hitting percentage in the clinching fourth set.

UNLV was paced by Jaida Harris' 22 kills, six digs, two block assists and one assist as the redshirt sophomore outside hitter tallied a .404 hitting percentage. Additionally, Alondra Alarcon notched her second consecutive double-double with 14 kills along with 14 digs, three block assists, three assists and one service ace. Basia Latos provided eight kills, four digs and two block assists.

Kaia Thiele recorded a match-high 19 assists with seven digs and a pair of service aces, while Alexa Ankerstar chipped in 12 assists of her own. Libero Caleigh King added nine digs as well as a season-high 11 assists. Defensively, sophomore middle blocker Rheanna Deen-Jackson posted five blocks, including four block assists with four service aces and two assists.

ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM: Harris was selected to the Dig In The Desert All-Tournament team as the Las Vegas native averaged 4.5 kills per set (36 total kills) with a .290 hitting percentage along with 22 digs (2.74 d/set).

2025 Dig In The Desert All-Tournament Team
Jessica Dean, UC Riverside
Jaida Harris, UNLV
Kaitlyn Hoelker, Southern Utah

2025 Dig In The Desert Tournament MVP
Sophia Ewalefo, UC Riverside

DIG IN THE DESERT FINAL STANDINGS
1. UC Riverside 2-0
2. UNLV 1-1
3. Southern Utah 0-2

UP NEXT: UNLV will open up the Mountain West portion of its schedule Thursday, Sept. 25 against San Jose State at 6:00 pm PT followed by a road match against Fresno State on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. PT.