KINGSVILLE, TEXAS – The Texas A&M-Kingsville volleyball team can now say they are on a winning streak after knocking off Lone Star Conference rival Midwestern State in five sets on Saturday afternoon at Kingsville Hampton Inn Court, 21-25, 25-20, 25-21, 19-25, 15-11. (box score)

The Javelinas (4-4, 2-4) and Mustangs (6-4, 2-3) had nearly identical team stats in the match. The Hoggies had three more kills than the Mustangs, but both squads posted a .196 attack for the match. The Mustangs had one more dig than the Javs while the Javs had two more blocks.

The Javelinas had to battle through some adversity to pick up the win. Sophomore outside hitter Lauryn Lozano (San Antonio/Smithson Valley HS) suffered an injury in the fourth set and did not return. The rest of the team came together and made up for the missing Lozano by posting a .250 attack with 11 kills in the final set. Lozano had 13 kills and eight digs in four sets.

Freshman Kelsey Washington (Cuero/Cuero HS) led the Javelina attack for the entire match as she led all players with a career high 20 kills and a .319 attack. Fellow freshman Stephanie Johns (Lubbock/Coronado HS) added seven kills, three blocks and a .353 attack. Sondra Cui (Schertz/Steele HS) and Giselle Carreon (Corpus Christi/Carroll HS) combined for 54 assists.

Defensively, the Javelinas were outstanding as they did not commit a single reception error. Junior libero Ali Insell (The Woodlands/The Woodlands HS) led the way with 25 flawless chances and an addition 29 digs and five service aces. Laura Macek (Wilson, KS/Ellsworth HS) and Bethany Friesenhahn (Poth/Poth HS) each added four blocks.

The Mustangs had a balanced attack as five different players had at least 10 kills. Caitlin Wallace led the way with 16 kills and a .438 attack while Miranda Byrd had 13 kills and a .355 attack. Kiara Jordan led all players with 30 digs while Kimberly Jeffrey had 32 assists.

The Javelinas are back in action on Tuesday at 7 p.m. against nationally ranked Angelo State at home.
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