COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi volleyball team couldn't hold back Texas A&M as they played visitor in the Aggies' home opener in a 3-0 loss (24-26, 11-25, 22-25) in Reed Arena Monday.
The Islanders (0-3) looked strong out of the gate, holding a 20-15 lead in the first before the Aggies (3-0) utilized a late 6-0 scoring run to go up late. A&M-Corpus Christi got back from behind to tie it at 24, but Texas A&M squeaked out the win in extra points to go up 1-0. After the home team moved to 2-0 in the match, the Islanders pulled out a 5-0 run in the third to get within 19-17 in hopes of forcing a fourth and went on to stave off two match points but ultimately fell to the Aggies by just three points.
"Texas A&M scouted us really well and their coaching staff executed the game plan from start to finish," said head coach
Steve Greene, who spent five seasons with the Aggies before coming to the Island in 2015. "They had attackers in all positions that were able to find success and exploit weaknesses in our block and defense."
Seniors
Leah Stolfus and
Kyndal Payne tied for team-lead with eight kills each. Though, Stolfus only made one error in the match to turn in a .412 hitting percentage, her season-high. It also marks her career best against a Power Five opponent, beating out her previous mark of a .400 which ironically came in the last meeting against Texas A&M in 2021 when she was a freshman.
Senior
Kayla White turned in her second double-figure dig performance of the season through the first three matches, picking up 11 digs. She also recorded a service ace in the third as part of the late attempted rally.
"
Kendall Mahaney and
Kayla White did an outstanding job in serve receive for us all night.
Leah Stolfus was challenged early and she responded by making changes to finish the night hitting over .400 and playing really well," said Greene.
Graduate
Alex Hoglund dished out 25 assists on the day, having recorded at least that many in each match this year. She is now averaging 7.90 assists/set, ranking fourth in the league so far.
It was the fourth-ever meeting between the programs and was the first head-to-head since the 2021 season where Payne had also been the team-leader with 13 kills as a freshman.
It closed out a tough opening weekend for the Islanders, whose first three matches all came against Power opponents. A&M-Corpus Christi scored at least 20 points in a set against all three including #2 Nebraska in the season opener.
It was the second straight SEC opponent for the Islanders, who recently faced Oklahoma in a 3-1 loss. It was the first time the Islanders won a set against a Power Five school since last season when they took the first set against Texas Tech on Sept. 17.
The Islanders will now return to Corpus Christi for their home opener Thursday night against North Florida at 6:30 p.m. It will kick off their home tournament Islanders Classic, presented by Schlotzsky's, where they also host Jacksonville State and Texas Southern in Friday and Saturday matches at the Dugan Wellness Center.
"We need to have a more team-centered focus and effort in order to compete at a higher level in the upcoming home matches this week," Greene said. "Our fans at the Dugan Wellness Center will be a welcomed sight after playing in very difficuly road environments."
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