KINGSVILLE, Texas – Texas A&M University-Kingsville (7-4) defeated St. Mary's University (3-6) in its home opener (25-14, 17-25, 25-16, 25-17) on Tuesday night at the Gile E. Steinke Physical Education Center- Hampton Inn Court.  
  
Despite having three blocks less than the Rattlers, the Javelinas outhit their opponent .217-.116 in the four-set victory.   
 
Gabby Atchley finished with a match-high 12 kills, added eight digs, a career-high three assists, and one ace in the win. Lexi Wick had a .500 clip on 11 kills and a team-high of four blocks, while freshman Shelby Sheets turned in a career-best nine kills. Krystal Faison totaled seven kills and 12 digs – second behind freshman libero Jasmine Jacinto, who had 18 digs. Haley Hutchinson concluded her night with six kills as did setter Casey Klobedans who had a solid double-double with 42 assists, 11 digs, and three blocks.  
 
Set 1 
The Javelinas got off to a fast start as they led 11-6 with two kills from Hutchinson, forcing a Rattler's timeout. The home team did not let off after the break, extending their lead to 19-10 and ultimately won the set, 25-14. Hutchinson, Brabham, Wick, and Atchley each found the floor three times and Atchley ended the set with an ace.   
 
Set 2 
STMU showed its fangs early as they exploded to a 7-0 run to lead TAMUK 13-7. A ball handling error broke the run and ignited a Javelina 4-0 run to pull within two points. Unfortunately, the comeback fell short with the Rattlers taking the set, 25-17. 
 
Set 3 
It was a tight frame early following the intermission. After being tied at 12, the Blue and Gold gained an edge with an 8-1 run, forcing a Rattler's timeout – the second of the set. However, neither timeout could slow down the Hoggies as they won 25- 16. Atchley led the charge with four kills followed by Wick's three kills and one block.  
 
Set 4 
The Javelinas fed off of their dominant third stanza, jumping out to a 4-0 lead that extended to 10-4 thanks to three early kills from Sheets. Though St. Mary's stayed the course with a 6-2 run, Kingsville would not let them get too close, winning the set 25-17 to close the match. Along with Sheets was Faison and Klobedans with three kills. Atchley and Wick logged two kills and Hutchinson accounted for the final kill.  
 
Texas A&M-Kingsville will begin conference play in New Mexico with a 6 p.m. match on Friday, September 15 against Eastern New Mexico University followed by a match with Western New Mexico University on Saturday, September 16 at 6 p.m. 
 
Come and join us on September 23 for our special brunch honoring Fred Nuesch's 50 years with Javelina Nation during Hall of Fame Weekend. The event will be held at 11 a.m. in the Grand Ballrooms at Memorial Student Union Building at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Tickets and tables are still available and all proceeds will benefit the Joan & Fred Nuesch Endowment at TAMUK. For more information on ticket and/or tables, please contact Dennis Hawkins via email (dennis.hawkins@tamuk.edu) or phone (361-593-4787) by September 18.