Volleyball Splits Finale in Sherman
Septmeber 12, 2009

SHERMAN, Texas - The University of Texas at Tyler volleyball team finished play in the 2009 Austin College Classic on Saturday by splitting its final two matches at the Mason Complex in Sherman.

In the first match against Berry, the Patriots (4-4) came out and quickly gained the momentum by winning the first two games, 25-21 and 25-17.

In the third game, UT Tyler battled back from eight points down but eventually fell 25-23 to force a fourth game. In game four, Berry (5-3) once again jumped out to an early lead and was able to sustain it to pick up the 25-18 win.

With the game on the line the Patriots were able to respond to the pressure and gain the early momentum in the tie-break game by being the first team to eight points.

After the two team switched sides, UT Tyler continued its push and pressed on for the 15-13 win.

Sophomore Danika Waldrep (Arlington, Texas) turned in a terrific all-around performance in the match by recording nine kills, three service aces and 19 digs.

Sophomore Amanda Hanson (Spring, Texas) also excelled both ways for the Patriots by recording team-highs of 11 kills and 5.5 total blocks.

Freshman Hillary Taylor (Lewisville, Texas) led UT Tyler defensively in the match with 20 digs.

In their final match of the day, the Patriots took on Division II foe Ouachita Baptist. The Patriots were able to keep pace with the Tigers early, but eventually fell in three straight games, 25-15, 25-10 and 25-15.

Freshman Stephanie Pupenbroke (Carrollton, Texas) led the Patriots in kills in the match with eight, while Taylor led the team in digs, also with eight.

On Thursday, UT Tyler will open the American Southwest Conference portion of its 2009 schedule by traveling to Longview, Texas to take on LeTourneau at 7 p.m.

Athletics Home Page