AUSTIN – A very strong start to the match gave way to an even stronger comeback by the Rattlers as St. Edward's volleyball fell 3-1 to St. Mary's Thursday evening.
 
SEU took a crucial 15-10 lead in the first set and pressed on to lead 23-18, setting themselves up for the win on HALLE SANDERS's kill for the 25^th point, winning 25-23.
 
The Hilltoppers rode the momentum into the second set, taking a commanding lead, 20-11. The Rattlers refused to give in and began to chip away at the deficit. Despite being just four points from the win, StMU was able to fight all the way back and win the set 27-25.
 
St. Mary's was riding high and able to fend off SEU's comeback in the third set to win 27-25 once again and closed out the match in the fourth set, 25-23.
 
St. Edward's was held to just .068 attack percentage for the match with St. Mary's doing just slightly better at .087. Sanders led with 19 kills while CAROLINE SWAN added 14. EMILY TRAN had 39 assists in the win with Swan and SARAH KONOVODOFF leading with three aces each.
 
The Hilltoppers fall to 9-7 on the year and 4-5 in Lone Star Conference play. They return to action on Friday, October 22 as they head to Oklahoma Christian.