AUSTIN, Texas – St. Edward's University Volleyball fell to Lubbock Christian 3-1 on Thursday in Heartland Conference action despite a breakout performance from sophomore hitter
KATHLEEN JANDA.
In her second career start for the Hilltoppers, Janda collected a season-high seven kills and led the team with an attacking percentage of .583. The transfer from Johnson C. Smith also added three assisted blocks in her breakout performance.
KATIE MARTIN led the Topper attack with 13 kills, while 28 digs from
MORGAN BECKHAM highlighted the defense.
JULIA HARTLEY also added a double-double performance with 10 digs and 17 assists. The loss moves St. Edward's to 4-12 overall and 2-5 in the conference. Lubbock Christian improves to 10-6 and 5-2.
"We fought hard and we had moments of brilliance," said head coach Mary DeJute. "We just need to put those moments together on a consistent basis. Lubbock Christian is too strong of a team to not be consistent and give away unforced errors."
In set one the Hilltoppers powered to an early 6-2 lead behind a pair of kills from
TABITHA ELDER. However, the Lady Chaps would claw their way back into the match and the Toppers were unable to hold off the rally as LCU surged to a 25-20 win.
Lubbock Christian carried its momentum into game two and pushed to a 25-17 win and a 2-0 lead headed into the intermission.
In game three the home team put together an impressive performance, hitting .326 for the set while holding the Lady Chaps to .067 on the attack. The visitors would hang close, but kills from
MIKAYLA GRILL, Katie Hendrix, Martin, and Elder gave St. Edward's a 4-0 run to win the set, 25-19.
Unfortunately for St. Edward's Lubbock Christian emerged in game four with an improved attack and errors on the Hilltoppers would prove insurmountable as the Lady Chaps clinched the match, 25-20.
Coach DeJute and the Toppers remain at home for their next action, hosting UT-Permian Basin on Saturday at 12 p.m. in the Recreation and Convocation Center. Live stats and videos for the game will be available at GoHilltoppers.com and updates will also be on Twitter at @SEUVBall.
