Volleyball Drops Three Close Sets to Javelinas

KINGSVILLE, Texas — Head Coach Laura Ulrich shook up the lineup again, hoping to find the combination that would spark the St. Mary's University Volleyball team, and at times it looked spot on in a close three-set loss to Texas A&M Kingsville on Saturday afternoon, 26-24, 25-17, 25-23.
 
The Rattlers wrap up the non-conference season with a 5-6 record and turn their attention to the always-tough Lone Star Conference slate. St. Mary's kicks off the league schedule hosting Texas Woman's and Midwestern State for Alumni Weekend on Sept. 22-23. 
 
Against the Javelinas (8-3), sophomore OH Landri Withers (Stephenville, Texas) led the Rattlers with eight kills and added 10 digs. Sophomore OH Laurene Robinson (Bedford, Texas) added seven kills and two blocks.
 
Sophomore libero Alyssa Koehl (New Braunfels, Texas) once again led the match with 13 digs, extending her match streak with double figure digs to 13 consecutive.
 
Freshman Madi Milligan (San Antonio) led the team with three blocks, while sophomore Dallasstar Johnson (San Antonio) had two to go along with her four kills in the final set.
 
The Rattlers hit .226 for the match, the highest hitting percentage in a loss this season, but struggled at times in serve receive, committing a season-high tying nine reception errors. 
 
TAMUK was led by Ayanna Jackson and Jackie Alanis with 12 kills each, while former Rattler Meghan Stiefer had a team-high 12 digs and Jeri Ficklen notched a match-high four blocks.
 
The Pioneers come to town for a 6 p.m. match on Friday, while the Mustangs will be 2 p.m. on Saturday.