NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi volleyball team jumped out to an early match lead against preseason favorites SFA, but the home team defended its court to end on top 3-1 Thursday night in Shelton Gym.
The Islanders (4-7, 0-1) took the first set from SFA (9-5, 1-0) in a tightly fought 25-23 decision before the night got away from the visiting team to drop the next three 25-12, 25-19, 25-16.
"SFA played very consistently and kept putting pressure on us," said head coach
Steve Greene. "It is difficult to win in their gym and at the level they played tonight. We have a really experienced team but unfortunately, we weren't able to follow the game plan or adapt quickly and stay confident in what our strengths are."
While the teams were near evened in offensive numbers, the serving made the impact in the match as the Islanders struggled with 13 service errors while SFA applied the pressure from the back line causing 14 A&M-Corpus Christi reception errors. The Lumberjacks also defended better at the net, outblocking the Islanders 11-3.
SFA entered the match with the longest home winning streak in the NCAA, taking 33 straight on its home court after tonight's final.
Senior
Kyndal Payne, despite a slower night, still ended with the double-double of 10 kills and 11 digs, leading the team in both. It is her sixth double-double of the year, second in a row, and first in conference play. It is her third straight double figure kill performance.
Trying to aid the offense were junior
Rylee Achtzehn and senior
Leah Stolfus who both neared double figures with nine kills apiece. Both had minimal errors to hit above .200 on the night.
"Rylee was consistent tonight and she did well attacking and provided an offensive spark that we needed," said Greene.
Payne was joined by freshman
Hadley Burger and senior
Kayla White with 11 digs each as the three tied as team leads. White has recorded 10+ digs in nine of the 11 matches on the year and in each of the last six. It marks Burger's second ever double figure dig performance.
The Islanders will head on to HCU to continue the road conference trip, taking on the Huskies Saturday at 1 p.m. in Sharp Gym.
"We need to look inward and trust our strengths moving forward as we have another tough road match coming up at HCU on Saturday," Greene said.
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