The UT Martin Skyhawks hosted the Lindenwood Lions for their final home series of the year, getting swept in game one and losing game two 3-1.

The Skyhawks are now 5-9 in conference play, and the Lions stand at a dominant 11-1, tied for first in the conference.

The Lions took game one in dominant fashion with a 3-0 sweep. However, the Skyhawks did not go down without a fight.

In set one, the Skyhawks stayed neck-and-neck with the Lions. The lead was exchanged several times throughout the set; however, the Lions eventually took it 25-23.

The Skyhawks dropped the ball in set two. The Lions started to gap the home team with an unanswered six-point streak that capitalized on crucial Skyhawk errors. UT Martin had no chance to claw back in the set, losing 25-13.

Set three was a make-or-break moment. The Skyhawks rallied but could not start the comeback. They started with a four-point lead, but the Lions jumped back. What began as a Skyhawks lead was now a tied set at 8-8. The Lions set their eyes on the prize and didn’t look back, taking the third set 25-23 and going back home with a win.

Despite the loss, freshman middle blocker Rylee Key continued her dominant first collegiate season. Key put up 11 kills, leading the team’s offense. Head Coach Jaclynn Wilson stated how proud she was of Key, saying she’s been a standout for the season.

Game two was an emotional senior night at the Skyhawk Fieldhouse. The Skyhawks might not have scored first in set one, but momentum began to swing in their favor. The Skyhawks’ offense got the ball rolling, and they managed to take the first set with a steady lead, 25-19.

The momentum for the Skyhawks dropped during the second set. The Lions took advantage of the Skyhawks’ sloppiness, taking over a ten-point lead in the set. The Lions won set two 25-12.

Set three was a similar story for the Skyhawks. The Lions continued capitalizing on the Skyhawks’ errors, winning the set 25-12.

“Set two and three, we’ve got to look back and make sure those walls don’t happen,” said Wilson.

On set four, the Skyhawks dug deep but couldn’t get the job done. The Skyhawks and Lions stayed neck-and-neck for the most of the set, tying it at 24-24, forcing a team to win by two. The Lions sealed the deal with a 26-24 set win, leaving Martin with two wins under their belt.

Despite the loss, the seniors were still grateful and enjoyed their night.

“Obviously we want to win, but I just think the grit and the competitiveness that was shown tonight, I wouldn’t have wanted anything different to happen,” said graduate middle blocker Mia Saenz.

Saenz reflected on her five-year tenure with the Skyhawks and shared one of her favorite memories.

“Our head coach’s house in the middle of the night…we were all dressed up in costumes. I was dressed up as a grandma. We went and TP’d the whole thing,” said Saenz. “The next thing, she called us in and she made us clean it up, then they ambushed us with water guns. It was so fun.”

Saenz is currently pursuing her master’s degree in social work.

The Skyhawks will head on the road to play their final series of the regular season against the 0-22 Tennessee State Tigers on Tuesday, Nov 17, 2026.

“We’ve got two more to build momentum,” said Wilson. “That’s where our head’s been these last several weeks. Building momentum into the tournament, getting our team to go fight for a championship.”

The OVC Women’s Volleyball Championship begins Sunday, Nov 22, 2026.