LAREDO, Texas - In their second meeting this season, the St. Edward's volleyball team defeated Texas A&M-International, 3-1, Saturday afternoon in the Kinesiology and Convocation Center. The Hilltoppers advance their record to 14-2 overall and 8-2 in the Heartland Conference.
 
St. Edward's and Texas A&M-International began the first set going point-for-point. At 13 apiece, St. Edward's made a move to jump ahead. Its small cushion was destroyed as the Dustdevils rallied back, evening the score 24-24. A timeout called by the visitors could not break Texas A&M-International's focus. The home team went on to win 26-24.
 
The second and third sets saw great defensive efforts from the Hilltoppers. In set two, the Dustdevils did not see their first point until 9-1. St. Edward's capitalized on its early lead, finishing the set 25-15.
 
The third set played out in similar fashion, ending 25-9, with St. Edward's hitting .310 and holding Texas A&M-International to just three kills on a -.200 hitting percentage.
 
The Hilltoppers did not give up the lead a single time in the fourth and final set. Although the Dustdevils came within four, St. Edward's was able to manage the pressure and end the set, 25-21.
 
For the second-straight game, HANNAH RAUCH breaks her season-high kill record, registering 18 and hitting .459. MARY KOEHLER had a strong defensive and offensive game tallying 15 kills and 20 digs for her third-straight double-double. She now has six on the season. KELLY JIMENEZ saw 23 digs while LOREN KELLY earned a team-high 25 assists. 
 
St. Edward's continues its road trip as they travel to Stephenville, Texas to take on Tarleton State on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in a non-conference matchup. Live stats and coverage will be available on the TexAnn Athletic Website.