October 23, 2008
AUSTIN – St. Mary’s University saw its two-match win streak come to an end as St. Edward’s University defeated the Rattlers, 25-23, 25-19, 25-19, in Heartland Conference volleyball action Thursday at the Recreation and Convocation Center.
The first set of the match set the tone for the Hilltoppers. The set was back-and-forth throughout with 10 ties and six lead changes. With the score tied at 19-19, SEU went on a 3-0 run to take a 22-19 lead. The Rattlers cut the lead to just one point on two occasions, but that was as close as they got in a 25-23 loss.
In the second set the Rattlers started with an 11-4 run to take a commanding lead. But the Hilltoppers rallied and took the lead at 19-15, completing a 15-4 run. The Rattlers did not get closer than three points the rest of the way in a 25-19 SEU win. In the final set the Hilltoppers took a big early lead and never looked back in the win.
Stephanie Crowell (Jr., The Woodlands), Kirsten Chapman (So., San Antonio) and Sarah Moreno (Sr., Pearland) each had eight kills to lead the way for the Rattlers. Stephanie Solano (Jr., San Antonio) led the defense with 15 digs. Teal Clark and Ashley Vander Hay led the Hilltoppers offensively with 11 and 10 kills, respectively.
With the loss the Rattlers fell to 8-13 overall and 5-5 in Heartland Conference play this season. St. Edward’s improved to 11-11, 7-3. The Rattlers will return to action on Friday when they host East Central University at 5 p.m. at Bill Greehey Arena.