Volleyball Splits Home Tri-Match
September 26, 2009

The University of Texas at Tyler volleyball team opened Saturday’s tri-match at the Herrington Patriot Center by losing a tough American Southwest Conference contest to Mary Hardin-Baylor, 3-2, but bounced back nicely later in the day with a 3-1 non-conference win over the University of Dallas.

In the first match, the Patriots locked themselves in a fierce battle with Cru, as both teams appeared evenly matched.

Mary Hardin-Baylor gained the early advantage in the match by winning the first set, 25-19, but UT Tyler bounced back in the second set with a 25-21 victory.

In set three, the Cru regained the upper hand with a 25-19 win, but once again the Patriots showed their resiliency by winning the fourth set, 25-22.

In the fifth set, the Patriots (6-8, 1-4) were the first to eight points but it was Mary Hardin-Baylor who eventually emerged with the 15-11 victory.

Sophomore Amanda Hanson (Spring, Texas) recorded 16 kills in the match to lead the UT Tyler offense, while freshman Hillary Taylor (Lewisville, Texas) led the Patriots defensively with 25 digs.

In the second match, the Patriots came out on fire and easily took the first two sets, 25-19 and 25-23. However, Dallas rallied late in the third set to pick up the 25-22 win.

With Dallas closing in their lead, the Patriots dug in and grinded out a 25-22 win in the fourth set to win the match, 3-1.

Junior Kelsey Winn (Tyler, Texas) excelled both ways for UT Tyler in the match by recording team highs of 16 kills and two service aces to go along with 21 digs.

On defense, freshman Sarah Smith shined in her role as libero by coming up with 30 digs.

Senior Cristy Meredith (Amarillo, Texas) and junior Whitney Clements (Flint, Texas) also played a big role in the win by assisting in 53 of UT Tyler’s 60 kills on the day.

In the day’s other match, Dallas cruised past Mary Hardin-Baylor, 3-1.

The Patriots will return to action next weekend when they host the first ASC Crossover of the 2009 season. UT Tyler will open play in the two-day event on Friday night when they meet Howard Payne at 7 p.m., at the Herrington Patriot Center.

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