AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas A&M-Kingsville volleyball team earned a four-set victory over St. Edwards on Thursday, besting the Hilltoppers 25-22, 18-25, 25-17, 25-20, on day one of the LSC Crossover Tournament at the SEU Recreation and Convocation Center.
"Tonight was one of our better serve receive performances so far this season.," said coach Tanya Allen-Gonzalez after the victory. "We passed well and we got a ton of kills. This team continues to improve and I'm very proud!"
The Javelinas (6-3) used four sets to take down the Hilltoppers (2-7) on a night in which sophomore Ayanna Jackson posted 17 points courtesy of 15 kills and three blocks. Additionally, Jackson was incredibly efficient in attack boasting a .400 hitting percentage. Freshman Madelyn Wallace and Meghan Stiefer joined Jackson with double-digit kills, logging 13 and 10, respectively.
TAMUK also saw strong performances from their setters as sophomore Sydney Whitmire and freshman Elisa Carli each recorded a pair of service aces, while Whitmire posted 29 assists and Carli 17. Whitmire was one of two Javelinas to record a double-double in the win, as she dug 17 attacks, with junior Jackie Alanis totaling 12 kills and 15 digs. Also playing a significant role in the success, senior Nicole Murff led the Javs in digs with 21.
The Javelinas started hot, taking the first four points in the inaugural set before a Jackson kill and a Hilltopper error resulted in a 6-2 Blue and Gold lead. SEU trimmed the lead down to three before TAMUK stole five of the subsequent six rallies for a 15-8 edge. A Carli ace and a kill for Alanis saw the Javs go up 20-14 prior to a Hilltopper surge that pulled them within two. Alanis quickly put the finishing touches on the set victory, smashing a laser over the net for a 25-22 win.
After starting the frame knotted at five, a wide SEU serve, and an ace for Whitmire put TAMUK up 9-7 before a seven-point Hilltopper surge resulted in a 14-9 deficit. A Stiefer kill halted the run, but multiple three-point spurts allowed the Hilltoppers to run away with a 25-18 win.
The Javelinas ran away with set three, utilizing kills by Wallace, Whitmire, and Jackson to take a 10-4 lead. Following successful attacks by Wallace, Stiefer logged a kill before teaming up with Jackson for a block in a six-point Blue and Gold swing that resulted in a 17-6 score line. TAMUK cruised for the remainder of the set, as kills by Stiefer and Jackson capped off a 25-17 win,
With the Javs one set away from victory, SEU continued fighting, with a back-and-forth start that developed a 16-16 tie. The Hilltoppers took the next rally promoting TAMUK to rattle off four straight with kills courtesy of Alanis, Jackson, and junior Tammy Jo Grohman, delivering a 20-17 lead. The Javelinas took five of the final seven points for a 25-20 set and match victory.
TAMUK remains in the Capital City as they take on Oklahoma Christian in a nonconference in-region matchup Friday at 3 p.m. before battling Eastern New Mexico Saturday at noon.
Fans can follow Javelina volleyball all season long via Javelinaathletics.com, where they'll find links to live video and stats and a recap at the end of each match. Stay up-to-date with everything related to Javelina volleyball all season long by following @Javelina_VB and @JavelinaSports on Twitter, @JavelinaVB and @JavelinaSports on Instagram, liking TAMUK Volleyball on Facebook, subscribing to the Javelina Athletics YouTube Channel and visiting Javelinaathletics.com.
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