DENTON, Texas (Volleyball) – The Javelinas led 1-0 after a close opening set and 2-1 after a third-set victory, but Texas Woman's University (18-7, 11-3 LSC) extended its win streak to eight games, rallying to defeat Texas A&M University-Kingsville (17-11, 6-8 LSC) in five sets on Saturday afternoon at the Kitty Magee Arena.
 
With the loss, the Javelinas close out this week's play 3-1 overall and 1-1 in conference action. A close match throughout the day, there were 33 ties and 15 lead changes but the Pioneers were able to salvage their slim lead in the fifth seat and defeat the Hogs, 16-14, to clinch the win and split the regular season series.
 
Casey Klobedans registered a game-high 60 assists and added 21 digs, Kelsey Washington (13 kills, 21 digs) and Krystal Faison (16 kills, 11 digs) recorded double-doubles, Ashley Bukowski posted 14 kills and three blocks and the duo of Stephanie Johns and Anyssa Matheson combined for 20 kills and 14 blocks. Defensively, Johns' three solo blocks and eight total were a season-high for the senior and libero Brett Zaccardo added 19 digs.
 
On the brink of falling in the opening set three times, the Javelinas posted a furious comeback and scored the set's final three points to take a 1-0 lead, earning the 30-28 victory. After falling 25-17 in set No. 2, the Hogs cruised to a 15-10 led and headed into the fourth set with a 2-1 lead, defeating the Pioneers, 25-21. It was déjà vu for the Blue and Gold as Texas Woman's tied the contest, this time at 2-2 following a 25-17 victory in the fourth set.
 
Down 10-7 in the decisive fifth set in the third game in as many days, Texas A&M-Kingsville showed just how tough they will be when the Lone Star Conference Playoff begin in a little over a week as the Javelinas went on a 5-2 run to tie the game at 12-12. Tying the match at 13 and then at 14, TWU was able to score the game's final two points to defeat the Javelinas, 16-14, in its Senior Day contest.
 
Mallory Kuechle led the Pioneers with 21 kills and Morgan Wilson finished with 30 digs. Elizabeth Pennington and Jaqueline Santos reached double figures with 18 kills and 13 kills, respectively. Entering the week ranked No. 2 in the country in blocks per game, TWU stood tall up front, posting 12.0 team blocks to TAMUK's 11.0.
 
TAMUK returns to the Gil H. Steinke Physical Education Center-Kingsville Hampton Inn Court to close out the season at home, hosting Midwestern State University on Friday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. and Cameron University on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. Prior to Saturday's game, seniors Stephanie Johns, Kelsey Washington, Ashley Tipps and Sarah Fountain will be honored for their contributions to the Javelina volleyball program. Live stats and video will be available and can be accessed by visiting JavelinaAthletics.com, the official site of Javelina athletics.
 
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