NEW ORLEANS – Texas A&M-Corpus Christi needed a couple of sets, but found its stride after the intermission to roll to 9-0 in Southland Conference play with a 25-21, 24-26, 25-15, 25-17 victory over New Orleans Thursday night.
After a sluggish start, which included a 26-24 second set in favor of the Privateers, the Islanders regained form in third and fourth set routs to stifle any thoughts of an upset. The attack cranked into high-gear as the Blue and Green hit .483 in the third to regain the lead before closing out the match with a dominant 25-17 fourth.
Madi Fitzsimmons powered the attack with 15 kills in the middle. The sophomore hit .462 on the night and produced her third double-digit kill match in the past four contests. Outside
Brittany Gilpin added another 13 kills and dug up 13 Privateer attacks for her ninth double-double of the year.
As a team, the Islanders hit .312 on the night, marking the fourth time this season the Blue and Green has eclipsed the .300 mark.
Tied at 15-15 in the first, A&M-Corpus Christi used a 5-1 run keyed by two Gilpin kills and a Fitzsimmons block to pull away for the 25-21 set. New Orleans answered back in the second, slowing the Islander attack to a match-low .242 hitting to steal a 26-24 set to even the match.
Out of the break, the Islanders buckled down and erased any Privateer hopes of an upset. The Blue and Green hit .364 in the final two sets, overpowering New Orleans to wrap up its 27th consecutive Southland victory.
WOODS WORKS
Defensive specialist
Madison Woods produced a highlight night, racking up 16 digs on the back line. The sophomore just edged her previous career-best of 15 set last week against Houston Baptist.
Wood's effort helped the Islanders hold New Orleans to .166 hitting on the match.
CHIPPING IN
•
Morgan Carlson knocked down nine kills and added four blocks in the win.
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Morgan Williams hit a hot -615 with eight kills.
• Libero
Kate Klepetka piled up 19 digs, 14 of which came in the final two sets.
ACROSS THE LAKE
The Islanders continue the road trip with a Saturday date at Southeastern Louisiana. First serve against the Lions is set for 12 p.m.
