GOODWELL, Okla. – St. Edward's volleyball punched its ticket to the Heartland Conference Volleyball Tournament with a 3-0 win on Thursday over Panhandle State.
 
There are still three matches remaining in the regular season, but the tournament field is set. Arkansas Fort Smith, Lubbock Christian, and Newman have all clinched a position in the top four. The final two conference matches will determine the final seeding.
 
St. Edward's (10-15, 8-4 HC) used eight kills apiece from KATIE MARTIN and ALEXA MCANDREW in the victory over Panhandle State (3-24, 0-12). The Hilltoppers are now in a tie for third in the league as they move three games ahead of fifth-place St. Mary's.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Aggies pulled within a point in set one, but a kill from McAndrew and a double block from MADISON MCCLURG and TABITHA ELDER gave St. Edward's a 1-0 lead.
• In set two, McClurg broke a tie at 25 and Martin finished it off to give the visitors a commanding 2-0 advantage.
• A service ace in set three from JULIA HARTLEY sparked an 8-1 run to help seal the victory.

 
HILLTOPPER NOTES

• The Hilltoppers are now 27-0 in the series against the Aggies.
• St. Edward's hit .220, cracking the .200 mark for just the fourth time this season.
• MIKAYLA PARKER continues to lead the conference with 1.09 blocks per set.

 
QUOTE BOARD: HEAD COACH MARY DEJUTE
"Tonight we hit better than we have been lately, and we blocked well. That is why we were able to get the win. Panhandle State is a very scrappy team and they fought hard. We still have a lot of work to do overall, but I am happy to get the victory."
 
UP NEXT
St. Edward's will be back in action Friday at 1 p.m. against West Texas A&M in Canyon. Live stats and video will be available at www.GoHilltoppers.com.
 
GAME INFORMATION
Score: St. Edward's 3, Panhandle State 0 (25-22, 27-25, 25-16)
Records: St. Edward's (10-15, 8-4 HC), Panhandle State (3-24, 0-12 HC)
Attendance: 350
 
For the latest information on the St. Edward's University Volleyball team, follow us on Twitter (@SEUVBall) and Facebook (facebook.com/SEUVBall, or visit us at www.GoHilltoppers.com.