AUSTIN, Texas – An injury-riddled St. Edward's University Volleyball team fell to Texas A&M-Commerce in three sets on Tuesday in the Recreation and Convocation Center.
 
The Hilltopper's leading hitter, MIKAYLA GRILL, led the team yet again on the attack with eight kills and an attacking percentage of .273. AVALON FRANTZ and and JACLYN BILLIE split the setter duties with eight assists and six assists apiece while MIKAYLA PARKER provided a quality effort on defense at the net with a pair of solo blocks and two block assists. Absent from the Topper lineup were outside hitters KATIE MARTIN and MADISON MCCLURG while the blocking presence of MADELYN PASHIBIN was missing as well.
 
In set one St. Edward's moved MORGAN BECKHAM from libero to hitter in an effort to fill in for the missing offensive threats. The moved looked to be a successful one early as the Hilltoppers went point-for-point with the visiting Lions. However a superior TAMU-Commerce attack pushed them past the home team, 25-13, and forced Beckham to move back to libero.
 
With the Flower Mound, Texas native back in her native position, the Toppers came out firing in game two, going on a 4-0 run to take a one-point lead. However, the Lions continued to hit efficiently and reclaimed the lead, surging to a 25-20 win.  The TAMUC attack only got stronger in game three as the visitors posted a .333 attacking percentage to clinch the match, 25-13.
 
The nonconference loss leaves St. Edward's unaffected in the Heartland Conference standings as they prepare to travel to San Antonio for part two of the Battle of the Saints on Thursday. First serve is slated for 7 p.m. with live stats and video available at GoHilltoppers.com.