EL PASO, Texas – With every set being decided by within five points, the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi volleyball team came up just short each time in a 3-0 (27-29, 20-25, 22-25) loss to Texas State Friday at Memorial Gym.
The Islanders (4-5) held late leads in both the first and third sets against the Bobcats (5-4) but the latter managed to squeak out an edge in all three played for the final. The teams were near even in kills, but the Islanders just couldn't convert on 20 extra attempts as Texas State ended with the advantage.
"In order to win at this level, we need to make sure to capitalize on every one of the simple plays and today we missed a couple in each set and that was the difference between winning and losing," said head coach
Steve Greene.
Seniors
Leah Stolfus and
Kyndal Payne once again each turned in 10+ kills for the fourth time this year. Stolfus led the team with 12 on the match and hit for an even .400 on the match. It was her fourth time this season to hit .400+ in a match. Payne followed her with 10 kills, her sixth double figure kill performance of the year.
Payne also led the match with a pair of service aces after setting her career-high of four in last weekend's tournament when the Islanders defeated Texas Tech 3-1.
Senior
Kayla White led the team with 21 digs, the most by an Islander in a three-set match so far this season. It is her 11
th double figure dig performance of the year and the third time she's recorded 20+ digs.
Graduate
Alex Hoglund led the match in assists with 39. She has been the match-leader in assists times this year.
"Leah had a great bounce-back match and really shined today. Alex is starting to come into her own and was able to score points attacking and did a solid job on defense and serving as well. Kayla did a great job defending all types of attacks and put together her most complete match of the season so far with quality serve receive as well as floor defense," said Greene.
It was the 19
th meeting between the two programs. It was the first time in the all-time series that the teams met on a neutral court.
The Islanders will have a final chance at ending nonconference on a high note, taking on hosts UTEP (7-2) tomorrow at 1 p.m. CT before starting up the SLC slate next week. The match will be available to watch live on ESPN+.
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