PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana Christian University volleyball team responded to a difficult opening set with a strong second-set victory, but Texas A&M-Texarkana pulled away for a 3-1 (25-12, 21-25, 25-20, 25-17) result Saturday at Gene Rushing Court at H.O. West Fieldhouse.
After being held to six kills and a minus-.036 hitting percentage in the opening set, Louisiana Christian (1-12, 0-4 RRAC) regrouped behind improved attacking and pressure from the service line. The Wildcats produced 12 kills, their highest total in any set, and earned a 25-21 victory in the second to even the match. That response highlighted the team's ability to reset after the early deficit and create opportunities through its passing and distribution.
Texas A&M-Texarkana (6-7, 5-1 RRAC) regained the lead with a 25-20 result in the third set despite 10 Louisiana Christian kills. The Wildcats continued to compete at the net, but the Eagles closed the match by hitting .286 with 12 kills in the fourth. Louisiana Christian finished with 37 kills, 35 assists, 13 service aces and 49 digs. The Wildcats were limited by 26 attack errors and a .085 hitting percentage while recording one total block on two block assists.
Natalie Aasen led Louisiana Christian with 14.5 points, combining eight kills with a match-high six service aces. Aasen also collected 12 digs and contributed a block assist.
Holly Rowe paced the Wildcats with 10 kills on 36 attacks, while
Emma Cother directed the offense with 30 assists and added 12 digs and an ace.
Efficiency came from
Mallory Wills, who put down six kills on seven attacks for a .714 hitting percentage and added four digs.
Vivien Brouillette supplied six kills and a block assist.
The Wildcats also received three aces and 10 digs from
Shanoa Mitch, while
Kylie Elmore served three aces and contributed an assist. Those performances helped Louisiana Christian generate 51 points and stay within five points in the pivotal third set.
The Wildcats will continue conference play on the road Friday against Texas College (2-11, 0-5 RRAC) at 6 p.m. at Gus F. Taylor Gymnasium in Tyler, Texas.
