Owls rebound from first conference loss

After losing to Southern Methodist Friday, the Owls rebounded with a 3-1 win against Tulsa Sunday.

Two days after losing its first American Athletic Conference game to Southern Methodist 3-0, Temple defeated Tulsa 3-1 Sunday in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In the opening set the Owls (15-4, 5-1 American Athletic Conference) found success on both ends of the court, earning 12 kills and 16 digs. Temple hit 24.1 percent in the first set while earning three blocks. The Owls won the set 25-18.

In the second set, Tulsa led Temple 23-13, but the Owls continued to rally back scoring seven straight points. Despite the comeback attempt, Tulsa’s 14 digs and three blocks pushed the Golden Hurricane to a 25-23 win.

“I think we played a really good second set,” Ganesharatnam said. “We just got stuck in the rotation. Tulsa played very well at the net.”

In the third set, the Owls found a rhythm, scoring 13 kills, 14 digs and six blocks and snatching a 25-16 win.

In the final set, the Owls earned 16 kills. Senior setter Sandra Sydlik tipped the ball into the air as junior outside hitter Tyler Davis jumped up and slammed the ball to the floor for the kill, taking the set 25-12.

Ganesharatnam said the team, which earned a season-high 16 blocks, played a well-rounded game throughout.

“Our blocking was really good and Sandra did a really good job of setting the ball,” Ganesharatnam said. “Janine [Simmons] did a great job, she had eight blocks and did a tremendous job in the middle.”

After six conference games, the teams is 5-1 and is tied with Southern Methodist for first place in The American.

“I think we have had a really good start in conference play,” Ganesharatnam said. “Anytime you can get a win in your conference, it is a great thing. So far so good.”

Connor Northrup can be reached at Connor.Northrup@temple.edu.

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