RICHARDSON, Texas -- Hardin-Simmons' volleyball team pushed its winning streak to
13 matches with a pair of wins in the Dig Pink American Southwest Conference Crossover Tournament on Saturday in Richardson.
The Cowgirls had to rally from two sets down in the first match to beat Texas-Dallas, 21-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-12, 16-14 and then
swept LeTourneau 25-20, 25-13, 25-23.
The
first game was tied at 19-19 when UTD used a 5-1 run to take control of
the game. In the second game, it was again close throughout
and tied at 23 before UTD scored the final two points of the game to
take the 2-0 lead.
HSU
responded in the third game jumping out to a 13-4 lead and cruised to
the win. In the fourth game, HSU led 9-8 and used a 12-2
run to take a 21-10 lead to force the deciding game.
It
looked like the Cowgirls were going to run away with the final game as
HSU led 12-4, but UTD rebounded and scored 10 of the next
12 points to tie the game at 14. After a timeout, the Cowgirls received
back-to-back kills from Christine Sas and Belle Shaver to take the win.
The
Cowgirls received stellar effort from the expected sources. Sas had 21
digs, 20 kills five aces and three block assists and Madison
Reyes had 15 kills and 18 digs. Ashley Babineaux had 27 digs from her
libero spot. Molli Owen had 32 assists in the match.
The
Cowgirls brought a big block as well with 12 team blocks. Tori Martines
had six block assists and a solo block and Morgan Watts
added five blocks. Dana Hilzendager had 14 kills to pace UTD. The
Cowgirls outhit the Comets .170-.073.
In
the nightcap against LeTourneau, HSU cruised to the first two games
jumping out to 12-4 and 12-5 leads respectively. HSU had to
fight back in game three. HSU trailed 23-20 but scored the final five
points of the match to earn the sweep.
Reyes
had nine kills and seven digs to lead a balanced attack. Addison Zaya
had 10 digs and Bradi Wilson led the team with 17 assists.
HSU hit .311 as a team. Jo Runnels led LeTourneau with 10 kills.
HSU is now 17-3 on the season and 11-0 in ASC action. UTD fell to 16-4 overall and to 10-2 in ASC action. LeTourneau is now 6-10
overall and 1-11 in league play. HSU returns home for Sul Ross State next Friday.