AUSTIN – A playoff atmosphere invaded the Recreation and Convocation Center as St. Edward's volleyball took on #23 Tarleton Saturday afternoon.

Tarleton's hard-hitting offense overpowered SEU in the first set, posting a .364 attack percentage. Despite the strong numbers, Tarleton just edged out St. Edward's 25-23.

Neither team was able to mount a lead in the second set, trading points all the way through to force an extended set. Two outstanding serves by MAYA SMALLS allowed the Hilltoppers two take the second set 31-29.

SEU rode the momentum into the third set, taking an early lead that would hold up to win 25-18. The Hilltoppers hit .333 in the set while holding Tarleton to their lowest attack percentage yet, .163.

Tarleton took control early in the third set and led by seven, 20-13. The advantage proved to be enough as they won 25-18 to force a fifth set.

The fifth set went just as the rest with both teams playing their best volleyball, pulling out all the stops to try to earn a cushion. SEU led 8-7 at the break and got a big kill from LAURA DOOCY to go up 9-7, forcing a Tarleton timeout.

With the match tied 13-13 the Hilltoppers took advantage of a Texan hitting error to go up 14-13. After a long rally that became a signature of the match another TSU attack error led SEU to the win, 15-13.

MELISSA MCNEIL led with 22 kills and a .296 attack percentage while MADDIE MIKSCH added 15 and ALEXA MCANDREW 13. EMILY TRAN posted a team high 33 assists with MADISON HEALD chipping in 27. Nicole Grant led defensively with 20 digs with LAURA DOOCY contributing four blocks.

St. Edward's improves to 12-6 overall and 7-3 in Lone Star Conference play while Tarleton drops to 12-7 on the year and 6-4 in the LSC. The Hilltoppers return to action on October 25, hitting the road to face Cameron at 5:30 pm.



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