MADISON, Wi. – Facing second-ranked Wisconsin, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi was overpowered by the Badgers' strong attack and block Sunday afternoon, falling 25-15, 25-10, 25-13.
Junior outside hitter
Brittany Gilpin knocked down 11 kills to lead the Islanders (2-3) marking the fourth consecutive match with double-digit kills for the converted middle blocker. Gilpin's 11 kills were also a match high. Defensively,
Kate Klepetka racked up 11 digs, the fourth time this season the libero has notched double-digit digs.
The Badgers (5-0) simply proved too much for the Islanders, hitting .456 as a team and stuffing 12 Islander attacks defensively. Lauryn Gillis paced Wisconsin with 10 kills while Tionna Williams and Haleigh Nelson each totaled five blocks.
Two early runs in the first set by the Badgers provided the distance in a 25-15 set. After trading the first six points, the Wisconsin block roared to life, leading to four consecutive points for the Badgers. The block would finish the set with three consecutive rejections erasing any thought of a comeback from a 21-15 deficit.
Junior middle blocker
Madeleine Doud came to life in the final two sets, tallying five kills on the match. Doud led the Islanders with a .400 hitting percentage. As a team, however, the Islanders were limited to an .048 hitting percentage as Wisconsin forced 23 errors, 12 of which came from the block.
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Both Gilpin and Klepetka picked up HotelRED All-Tournament recognition. Gilpin finished the two matches with 23 kills, averaging 3.83 kills per set. Klepetka anchored the back row with 19 digs in the two losses to ranked opponents.
HOME OPENER
After a strenuous road slate to open the season, the Islanders return to the friendly confines of the Dugan Wellness Center Tuesday, Sep. 6, at 6:30 p.m. against UTRGV in the South Texas Showdown presented by NavyArmy Community Credit Union. The Islanders have won 18-consecutive home matches dating back to 2014.
The first 300 fans in attendance will receive a free South Texas Showdown t-shirt.
