KINGSVILLE, Texas – St. Edward's University Volleyball dropped a non-Heartland Conference match, 3-0 to Texas A&M-Kingsville on Thursday as it prepares for the second half of conference play. The loss moves the Toppers to 5-13 while the Javelinas improve to 14-9.
 
MIKAYLA GRILL led the Hilltoppers in the loss with 10 kills and 11 digs, registering her second-straight double-double and fifth of the season.  MORGAN BECKHAM continued her pace of over six digs per set with 19 on the match, and JULIA HARTLEY recorded double-digit assists for the 14^th time this season with 14.
 
"After tonight we are ready to refocus for the second half of conference play," said head coach Mary DeJute. "The young players have gained a lot of experience through the first half. That experience, combined with the return of some others from injury puts this team in a good position to turn the corner in a positive way."
 
In game one the Hilltoppers fell behind early, and despite an ever-strong defensive effort, the Javelinas pushed to a 25-18 win. An identical result in set two gave the home team a 2-0 advantage headed into the intermission.
 
St. Edward's came out of the break with some fire, jumping to a 5-2 lead in game three. However, TAMUK battled back into the game and surged past the visitors for a 25-19 win.
 
MIKAYLA PARKER also made her first appearance this season for the Hilltoppers. She teamed up for five block assists on the night while JESSICA BUSHONG added four block assists of her own.
 
Coach DeJute and the Hilltoppers return home to begin the second half of Heartland Conference play, hosting Oklahoma Panhandle on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Recreation and Convocation Center. For fans who are unable to attend, live stats and video will be available through GoHilltoppers.com.