AUSTIN, Texas – April 2, 2026 – LOVB Austin defeated LOVB Salt Lake 25–18, 29–27, 25–21 at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park Thursday night, staving off elimination and bringing Austin one step closer to securing a postseason spot.
“Really proud of the way we fought,” said Austin head coach Erik Sullivan. “To watch the resilience and grit of our team and how we are competing right now, it's awesome.”
The win boosted Austin (9-10) past Salt Lake (9-10) into fourth place in the LOVB standings and gave Austin the crucial head-to-head tiebreaker between the two teams. Now, a win against LOVB Nebraska (10-9) in April 4’s regular season finale will guarantee Austin a playoff berth, as would a Salt Lake loss to LOVB Madison that same day.
Thursday night, Austin maintained an impressive lead against Salt Lake throughout the opening set. Molly McCage set the tone early with back-to-back points — a block followed by a kill — while Madisen Skinner landed seven kills in the frame, which Austin won, 25–18.
Salt Lake opened the second set with an early lead, but Austin battled back to tie it at 5–5 and eventually pulled ahead. Key plays from Madisen Skinner, Madi Banks, and Logan Eggleston fueled the push in a gritty battle filled with long rallies and hustle plays. The set tightened late, and a crucial kill from Molly McCage kept Austin in control as the teams exchanged points down the stretch. Austin ultimately edged out the set, 29–27, with Logan Eggleston delivering the final kill.
Salt Lake came out strong in the third set to build an early 7-3 lead, but Austin crawled back, using a four-point run to tie the frame at 17–17. The teams continued to trade leads, but Austin maintained composure down the stretch to secure the set, 25–21. Logan Eggleston caught fire in the frame, leading the charge with seven kills. The win marked Austin’s first three-set victory this season and moved the team one step closer to the playoffs.
“It's hard to sweep a team in this league,” said setter Carli Lloyd. “We are going to keep fighting for us and bettering the ball…its that feeling that we are trusting each other…we believe we can do it.”
Austin finished the night with 65 points on 55 kills while hitting an efficient .421 as a team. Logan Eggleston led the offense with 17 points, recording 14 kills and two aces while adding 11 digs in an all-around performance. Madisen Skinner followed with 15 points on 15 kills. Madi Banks contributed 11 points on 11 kills and added 12 digs, while Asjia O’Neal chipped in 11 points with nine kills and two blocks. Molly McCage added nine points on six kills and three blocks. Setter Carli Lloyd facilitated the offense with 47 assists and added five digs and two blocks. Defensively, Austin totaled eight blocks and 45 digs in the three-set win.
Austin’s win-and-in showdown versus Nebraska will take place Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. at Omaha’s Baxter Arena. Fans may watch the match free on Victory+.
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