NEW ORLEANS – Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's 39-match winning streak against Southland foes seemed all but doomed with the Islanders down 9-3 in the fifth set, but the Blue and Green found a way, rallying back for a 15-12 set victory and 3-2 win.
Mallory Moran floored a career-best 18 kills in the victory, including a massive shot down the line to give the Islanders (5-8, 2-0) a 14-11 advantage in the final frame. Moran's match-leading 18 kills came on 33 swings as the junior hit .394, also a match best among players with more than two swings.
Brittany Gilpin added another 17 kills to the thrilling victory. For Gilpin, it marks the 18th consecutive match with double-digit kills against Southland opponents. Defensively, Gilpin was in on four of the Islanders' seven blocks, including a solo stuff in the final set.
FIFTH SET FIREWORKS
It was as bleak as the Islanders' hopes have looked in over two years against Southland opponents as New Orleans (7-7, 1-1) opened a 9-3 advantage in the fifth set.
After calling a timeout, the Islanders found their composure and began their comeback. Moran knocked down a kill to make it 9-4 New Orleans then Moran and
Madeleine Doud combined on a block. That kicked off a 5-0 run as the Islanders pulled within one at 9-8.
New Orleans pushed its lead 11-8 before the Blue and Green turned the tables for good. This time, a 6-0 run, including three kills from Moran gave the Islanders match point at 14-11. It would take one more swing from Moran, fittingly, to end the match for Corpus Christi's 40th-straight victory over a Southland foe.
HUB-ACE-K
Freshman
Emily Hubacek helped the Islanders overcome a first-set loss with an electric performance at the service line in set two. The rookie reeled off three-straight aces in the middle points to give the Islanders breathing room.
Hubacek added another ace late in the set for a career-high four in the set and match.
GOING GREEN
Sophomore do-it-all
Madison Green stepped up with a career-day for the Islanders. Green produced both offensively and defensively with nine kills and 17 digs.
Both stats mark career-highs for Green, who has found a new home for the Blue and Green on the right side.
THE NUMBERS
>> The Islanders hit. 286 to mark the most efficient offensive performance since the second weekend of play.
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Kristyn Nicholson racked-up a season-high 51 assists and added nine kills.
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Madeleine Doud added another nine kills to the Islanders' effort and also recorded three blocks.
>> Madison woods finished with a match-best 22 digs.
BUSY WEEK
Corpus Christi faces a three-match week as the Islanders head to UIW on Tuesday before hosting McNeese and Nicholls over the weekend.
