CARROLLTON, Texas – St. Edward's recorded 11 service aces to defeat Texas A&M International 3-1 Saturday to close out the Heartland Classic.
 
A tight match early gave way to an SEU run as the Hilltoppers went from trailing 12-11 to leading by six, 21-15. St. Edward's scattered the ball around and were able to close out the match with kills from NICOLE PETERS, ALEXA MCANDREW and KATE HENDRIX along with an ace from JULIA HARTLEY.
 
The Dustdevils started the second set off strong, putting SEU in a 7-3 hole before the Hilltoppers scored five straight to go up 10-8. TAMI hung around and closed the set with three straight points to steal the win 26-24.
 
SEU went on a tear to start the third set, dominating the Dustdevils to lead 21-6 with three Hilltopper aces during the stretch including two from JULIA HARTLEY. Texas A&M International never stood a chance in the set as St. Edward's pressed on to win 25-10.
 
TAMI managed a slight advantage to start the fourth set, but SEU clawed their way back into the lead with an 8-0 run midway through. The Dustdevils fought back to tie the set 19-19, but MIKAYLA PARKER's kill handed the lead back to the Hilltoppers for good as they closed out the set and match with a 25-20 win.
 
Hendrix led with 12 kills and a .333 attack percentage while KATARINA MENDEZ added nine kills. Hartley posted 20 assists and MADISON HEALD 19 while MORGAN BECKHAM recorded 23 digs with Heald kicking in 13. Hartley had a team-high five aces in the match.
 
St. Edward's improves to 10-5 on the year and return home to face Texas A&M Kingsville on Thursday, September 20 at 4 pm.