CANYON, TEXAS – For the second consecutive day, the Texas A&M-Kingsville volleyball team won their morning matchup at the Lady Buff Invitational on Saturday.  The Javelinas (2-2) defeated New Mexico Highlands in four sets 22-25, 25-15, 26-24, 25-18. (box score)

The key set in the match was the third set.  The Javelinas led by as many as five points at 15-10, but the Cowgirls (4-2) would not go down easily.  They responded by scoring 10 of the next 13 points to take a 20-18 lead.  The two teams battled down the stretch with the Cowgirls having a chance to serve for the match, but Hoggie freshman Stephanie Johns (Lubbock/Coronado HS) came up with back-to-back kills to reclaim the lead.  A Highlands attack error gave the Javs the set 26-24 and they cruised in the fourth to win the match.

The Javelinas finished with a .173 attack for the match compiling 54 kills, 76 digs, 10 service aces and 6.0 total team blocks.  Freshman Kelsey Washington (Cuero/Cuero HS) had another outstanding match with a team high 19 kills and a .342 attack while adding two blocks.  Lauryn Lozano (San Antonio/Smithson Valley HS) added her third double-double of the season with 10 kills and 16 digs.

Head coach Tanya Allen went to her bench in the match with 14 players seeing action.  Brittany Von Ruff (Pearland/Pearland HS) made the most of her playing time with 18 assists, five digs and two aces while Cady Mercer (Katy/Katy HS) added eight digs in only two sets.  Sondra Cui (Schertz/Steele HS) continued to guide the offense with a team high 26 assists.  Kalinda Graves (Amarillo/Palo Duro HS) and Ali Insell (The Woodlands/The Woodlands HS) led the defense with a combined 35 digs and six service aces.

The Cowgirls posted a .072 attack with 40 kills, 68 digs, three aces and 6.0 blocks.  Darian Mullen led the offense with 13 kills while Jazmine Harge had nine kills and a team best .308 attack.  Brooke Fahnestock dished out 38 assists and had 11 digs.  Sheila Olaechea led the squad with 17 digs overall.

The Javelinas are back in action tonight against nationally ranked West Texas A&M at 7 p.m.
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