SAN ANGELO, Texas – In a compelling season opener, Texas A&M University-Kingsville (1-0) outlasted New Mexico Highlands University (0-1) in five sets at Stephens Arena. 
 
After starting slow, the Javelinas found their rhythm as the match continued. As a unit, they hit just .205 but held the Cowboys to a .107 attacking percentage. Both clubs served tough as they each tallied nine aces but the difference was at the net where TAMUK asserted its physicality with nine blocks to NMHU's five.  
 
Entering 2017 with 50 career double-doubles, Krystal Faison added another with 14 kills and 14 digs in the season debut. She also added two service aces and one block. Lexi Wick tied Faison was 14 kills but led with a .367 clip while adding four blocks – one behind leader Haley Hutchinson who also chipped in seven kills. Casey Klobedans directed the offense nicely once settled with totaled 43 assists and turned in four blocks. Madison Brabham found the floor nine times and Gabby Atchley recorded seven kills in her first match with the Javelinas. Other notable career days consists of Kelby Sprinkles and Courtney Rabius who cashed in on four and two service aces, respectively.      
 
Set 1 
The Cowboys came out strong in the opening set as their 5-1 run expanded to a 10-4 lead. Back-to-back kills from Faison cut the deficit to three at 15-12 and late in the set, the Javs pulled within two points (20-18) thanks to consecutive attacking errors from Julie Staffler. However, that is as close as TAMUK would get as NMHU won the set 25-20.   
 
Set 2 
The second set featured nine ties with the score at 17 even. Neither team refused to give up any ground until Kingsville reeled off eight unanswered points to win the second set 25-17. Faison was dominant in the frame as she concluded with five kills and two service aces to tie the match. 
 
Set 3 
Still hot after intermission, Texas A&M-Kingsville scored the first three points to cap off an 11-0 run. But when trailing 9-7, New Mexico Highlands went on a 4-1 run to take a one-point lead. As the teams continued to trade points, a crucial 5-0 run by NMHU gave them a 19-15 advantage that held strong as the Cowboys closed the set with an 11-6 run for the 25-21 victory. 
 
Set 4 
The Hogs looked strong in the fourth stanza as they utilized a 14-3 run to control the set from the beginning. They held the Cowboys to a -.027 hitting percentage and was led by Wick's four kills along with Faison and Hutchinson's three kills each in the 25-11 thumping to force a final set. 
 
Set 5 
The Javelinas started the fifth set with a 4-1 lead behind three errors from NMHU and a kill from Faison. It was a close set for the most part until the Blue and Gold scored seven of the last eight points to take the fifth 15-8. Faison finished with three kills in the set and Sprinkled tacked on back-to-back service aces to seal the match.    
 
Texas A&M-Kingsville will be back in action at 2:30 p.m. to close out the inaugural day of the 2017 season against Colorado Christian.   
 
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