ODESSA, Texas - The St. Edward's volleyball team gained another Heartland Conference win in its victory against UT-Permian Basin Thursday evening in the Falcon Dome.
 
The two teams traded the lead in the first set, until an ace by Kelly Jimenez gave St. Edward's (10-1, 6-1 HC) a 16-12 advantage. Although their lead was small, the Hilltoppers were able to capitalize on it. Even as the home team rallied down the stretch, scoring four consecutive points, the visitors held on to capture the first set, 25-22.
 
UT-Permian Basin (6-8, 3-5 HC) opened the second set with a 7-0 run, effectively shutting down St. Edward's offensive power. The away team answered promptly by outscoring the Falcons, 13-4 to gain a two-point lead. From that point, the set grew to an intense point-for-point battle. Hilltoppers Amy Jones and Hannah Rauch delivered kills to bring a 23-23 gridlock to a 25-23 St. Edward's win.
 
Although the Falcons saw another hot start in the third set, an 11-0 streak from the Hilltoppers swung the momentum. UT Permian Basin had no answer for 18 kills from St. Edward's and .289 hitting percentage. Three consecutive kills gave the visitors a 19-9 edge, which they would turn into a 25-16 victory.
 
Rauch registered a match-high 11 kills and a .226 hitting percentage. Jimenez tallied three aces, four assists and 22 digs, a match-high. Loren Kelly recorded 20 assists.
 
St. Edward's continues conference play as they travel to Lubbock, Texas to take on Lubbock Christian Oct. 4^th, at noon. Live coverage and statistics are available on the Chaparrals Athletic Website.