COMMERCE – The East Texas A&M University volleyball team fell to Southern Illinois in a four-set match on the Hunt Regional Healthcare at the Field House, with a final score of 3-1 on Saturday. The Salukis secured the win with set scores of 25-27, 25-22, 25-21, and 25-19.
The Lions fall to 1-1 on the season, while the Salukis have won both their matches in Commerce thus far this weekend as part of the Lion Invitational.
The first set began with the Lions taking an early lead, up14-8. However, Southern Illinois mounted a comeback, tying the match at 16 with a service ace. Despite a late rally by Southern Illinois, the Lions secured the set with a 27-25 victory, which included saving four match points.
Southern Illinois secured a narrow victory in the second set, edging out the Lions with a 25-22 win. The visitors turned a 13-12 deficit into a commanding 19-13 lead. The Salukis tied the match with a 25-22 win.
The Salukis capitalized on multiple attack errors to maintain a steady lead over the Lions in the third set, ultimately securing a 25-21 victory. In the fourth set, Southern Illinois capitalized on multiple Lions attack errors to build a 9-5 advantage.
The Lions tried to rally with key kills, but Southern Illinois responded with consistent scoring, highlighted by Natalie Vance's decisive kill for the 25-19 set victory.
Ariana Brown (Conroe) led the Lions with 15 kills and contributed two service aces.
Haley Mullaney (Decatur) directed the team's offense with 28 assists, while also adding three service aces and eight digs.
Jade Washington (Waco – Midway) provided defensive support with a team-high 17 digs.
Sabine Wenzel (Melrose, Mass.) was efficient in her attacks, recording 12 kills at a .500 hitting percentage and added three blocks.
UP NEXT
The Lions host ULM on Sunday at 2 p.m. to close out the Lion Invitational. Tickets can be purchased at
LionAthletics.com/tickets.
-ETAMU-
