Box Score
SAN ANTONIO — The top two teams in the Heartland Conference had a showdown in Bill Greehey Arena Thursday, as the Rattlers fell to UA Fort Smith, 3-1.
The Rattlers surged in the first set against the Lions but fell in four, 25-23, 17-25, 19-25 and 19-25.
St. Mary's was bidding for the upset against the Lions, which are the No. 1 team in the league with an undefeated conference record. The Lions (11-6, 8-0 in conference) remained the top seed after Thursday as the Rattlers (8-9, 5-3 in conference) dropped from the No. 2 to the No. 3 seed in league standings.
Kelsey Huber (Jr., San Antonio) had an explosive match in the tight battle, leading the Rattlers in kills with 15 and block assists with four. Huber also recorded 14 digs, the second-most on the team.
Melissa Heft (Jr., San Antonio) was also a force, recording 13 kills, two block assists and one block solo.
Victorria Martinez (Jr., Arlington, Texas) led both teams in digs with 31 while
Rachael Scicchitano (Fr., McKinney, Texas) led the Rattlers in assists with 28 followed by
Mikayla Bass (So., Coppell, Texas) with 20.
The Rattlers were able to contest the Lions throughout the match, causing 15 tied scores and six lead changes over the four sets. As a team, St. Mary's recorded a .186 hitting percentage with
Jenna Paul (So., Alvin, Texas) the most accurate, hitting .280 with eight kills in 25 total attacks.
The Rattlers are back in action against Dallas Baptist at 12 p.m. Saturday in Bill Greehey Arena.
