AUSTIN, Texas—The St. Edward's volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Newman in Heartland Conference play Saturday afternoon at the Recreation and Convocation Center.
 
Early on in the first set, St. Edward's (15-5, 9-3 HC) and Newman (11-11, 7-6 HC) were neck-and-neck, 9-9. However, a five-point run by the Jets widened the gap. Jarin Braithwait of Newman delivered three-consecutive kills to close the set. The visitors held the Hilltoppers to a .089 hitting percentage to win, 25-18.
 
The second set saw competitive play as the two teams came to a tie seven times. The Jets' largest lead of the set was four points. St. Edward's chipped away at that advantage until it was even with Newman, 24-24. A Jet kill and a Hilltopper error would give Newman the set 27-25.
 
Using momentum from its second-set victory, the visiting team closed down St. Edward's opportunity to force a fourth set. The Hilltoppers came within three points mid-match, but had no answer for Newman's offensive attack. The Jets hit .432 percent and registered 19 kills to take the set, 25-16.
 
KELLY JIMENEZ earned a season-high 36 digs, with 24 of them coming in the marathon second set. HANNAH RAUCH recorded 11 kills and a hitting percentage of .321, while LOREN KELLY tallied 21 assists. The 36 digs by Jimenez set the SEU record for a three-set match. The previous record was held by former Hilltopper All-American Michelle Hundt with 34 digs versus Dallas Baptist in 2011.
 
The match was the second meeting between the two teams. St. Edward's defeated Newman in a thriller, 3-2 in September. The Jets managed to even the record with the sweep.
 
St. Edward's will be back in action Thursday when they travel to Dallas to take on Dallas Baptist in Heartland Conference play. First serve is set for 7 p.m. at the Burg Center. Live coverage can be found on the Patriot Athletic Website.