Texas State volleyball (17-1 overall, 12-0 Sun Belt) increased its win streak to 14 defeating Arkansas State University (8-6 Sun Belt) in another 3-0 sweep (25-20, 25-13, 25-20) Nov. 6 in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Beginning the first set, Arkansas State’s top-ranked defense managed to stay with Texas State, jumping out to an early 7-3 lead. The Bobcats then scored three straight times to get back on track.
With Arkansas State up 12-8, Texas State went on a 6-0 run, including three kills by junior outside hitter Janell Fitzgerald, to take its first lead of the game 14-12 and force an Arkansas State timeout.
Out of the timeout, Arkansas State rebounded a little bit, going on a 4-2 run. The Bobcats quickly responded with an 8-0 run led by sophomore outside hitter Lauren Teske who had four straight kills followed by a solo block to give the ‘Cats a 23-16 advantage.
The Red Wolves would not go down easy responding with their own 4-1 run, bringing the score to 24-20. It would not be enough for Arkansas State as junior setter Emily DeWalt would end the game with a kill winning the set 25-20.
Finishing the first set, Teske was tied with Arkansas State senior outside hitter Madison Brown for the most kills at seven apiece. DeWalt also led the set in assists with 14.
Texas State was in control from the beginning of the second set, leading 9-3 after three straight errors by Arkansas State.
Midway through the set, Texas State led 14-9 and went on an 8-0 run, increasing the lead to 22-9. During the run, Teske, Fitzgerald and junior middle blocker Jillian Slaughter combined for five kills.
Arkansas State would try to close the deficit but after a kill by Teske and a service ace by senior setter Brooke Johnson, the Bobcats would win set two 25-13.
In the final set, Arkansas State came out with much more energy, desperate to prevent the sweep. With the Red Wolves up 7-5, Texas State took control going on a 6-1 run to take the lead 11-8. The Bobcats would hold the lead for the remainder of the set.
After an error by Arkansas State and a kill by sophomore middle blocker Tessa Marshall, Texas State led the game 17-13.
The Red Wolves proved to be their own worst enemy, committing three straight errors to give the Bobcats a commanding 21-14 lead.
Arkansas State managed one last-ditch effort to avoid the sweep with a 6-2 run making the game 23-20. Unfortunately for the Red Wolves, the late run would not be enough. Sophomore outside hitter Caitlan Buettner rose up for a kill for set point. An attacking error by Arkansas State gave Texas State the set 25-20 and the 3-0 victory in game one.
Texas State racked up 45 kills (.294 hitting percentage), 51 digs and nine total blocks for the game.
Teske had a season-high .406 hitting percentage and led the Bobcats with 15 kills, followed by Fitzgerald with 10 and Rutherford with six. Senior middle blocker Tyeranne Scott led Texas State with five total blocks and three solo blocks. DeWalt had her 12th double-double of the season and led the Bobcats in both digs (16) and assists (30).
Texas State is set to play the second match of the double-header against the Red Wolves, at 6 p.m. on Nov. 6 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The matchup will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
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No. 13 Texas State sweeps Arkansas State for 14 straight wins
Jake Brashear, Sports Reporter
November 6, 2020
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