AUSTIN, Texas – St. Edward's University Volleyball dropped a tough match on Friday in a three-set affair with Tarleton State out of the Lone Star Conference. With the loss the Hilltoppers fall to 4-11 while the TexAnns improve to 13-3.
Offense was in short supply on the hilltop, but
MORGAN BECKHAM and
KATHLEEN JANDA stepped up on defense with Beckham providing 18 kills and Janda assisting on four blocks. Another bright spot for the Toppers was
KATIE MARTIN and
AVALON FRANTZ each providing a pair of service aces.
"Tarleton was a very strong team tonight. They have two hitters we just couldn't slow down," said head coach Mary DeJute following the loss. "Our backcourt defense was strong, but our net play struggled a bit tonight. We fought hard and are seeing progress. We are focusing on next week's conference matches
Each game wrote a similar story for the home team as a strong Tarleton State attack proved too much for St. Edward's to overcome. The TexAnns would take game one 25-15 and game two 25-14, carrying a 2-0 lead into the intermission. Out of the break the Hilltoppers refused to give up as
TABITHA ELDER and
KATHLEEN JANDA combined to block Tarleton's leading hitter late in the game. Despite a strong effort, the Toppers would fall in game three 25-15.
Coach DeJute and her team get a weekend off before continuing Heartland Conference play next Thursday, October 8, hosting Lubbock Christian on the hilltop. First serve is set for 7 p.m. in the Recreation and Convocation Center with live stats and video available through www.GoHilltoppers.com.
