Kingsville – The Javelina volleyball team came close to knocking off #21 West Texas A&M Thursday night at Kleberg Bank Court, but a match-turning 34-32 game three victory by the Lady Buffs sparked them to a 3-1 victory over the Javelinas.

   The win improved West Texas A&M to 9-4 and 1-0 in the Lone Star Conference while the Javelinas fell to 4-5 and 0-1 in league play.

   Texas A&M-Kingsville has played just two home matches this season, both losses coming against nationally ranked teams.

   Freshman Sha Tramble had a career-high 17 kills to lead the Javelinas. Heidi Scheopner added 11 and was just one dig away from a triple-double with 17 assists and 9 digs.

   Tara Grier (Poth) led the Javelinas with 29 digs while Kirby Krueger (New Braunfels Canyon) had a team-high 25 assists.

   “I thought our kids came out and played hard,” said Javelina head coach Shannon Alvarado. West Texas has an experienced team and it showed late in the match. I’m happy with the way the kids fought the entire match.”

   The Javelinas won four of the last six points in game one to grab a 30-28 victory.

   West Texas A&M won game two 30-25 to set up the showdown in game three.

   There were 12 ties in game three and the Javelinas rallied from down 24-21 to grab a 25-24 lead.  The Lady Buffs rallied to grab a 29-27 led, but the Javelinas bounced right back to tie the match at 29. The Javelinas fought off six match points, but a service error and some miscommunication cost A&M-Kingsville in the final points of the game as the Lady Buffs won 34-32.

   In game four the Javelinas were slow out of the gate, West Texas A&M went on a 9-0 run to grab a 22-13 lead and never looked back to win game four 30-21.

   Texas A&M-Kingsville will host Eastern New Mexico Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.