Volleyball Falls in Straight Sets to #5 West Texas A&M

CANYON, Texas — The St. Mary's University Volleyball team fell in straight sets to fifth-ranked West Texas A&M on Saturday afternoon, 25-21, 25-20, 25-17.
 
"The Box" is a home away from home for the Rattlers (7-8, 2-2 Lone Star Conference), who have played 10 matches there in the last two seasons. This year, StMU has played there more than they have at their own home, but the environment wasn't near as friendly as Bill Greehey Arena.
 
Junior pin hitter Alicia Virthe (Orlando, Fla.) led the team with 11 kills, while sophomore libero Alyssa Koehl (New Braunfels, Texas) led with 12 digs. Sophomore middle blocker Dallasstar Johnson (San Antonio) continued her strong weekend at the net, collecting four blocks with two solo stops in the three sets. 
 
Both senior setter Aislan Lennon (Houston) and freshman setter Haleigh Wilk (Salado, Texas) posted double digits in assists with 14 and 10, respectively. Lennon narrowly missed her first double-double of the year, finishing second on the team with eight digs.
 
The only ace the Rattlers surrendered was the first point of the match. The Lady Buffs picked on sophomore defensive specialist Isabella Waggoner (Texas City, Texas) as she received 24 of the 67 serves in the match without making an error. On the flip side, the Rattlers served up three aces, with two coming from the hands of junior defensive specialist Leah Cruz (Laredo, Texas).
 
Brynne Wright led the Lady Buffs with 11 kills, tying Virthe for match-high honors, while Bryli Contreras had a match-high 17 digs and Carly Evetts led all players with five blocks. 
 
The Rattlers return home to host Eastern New Mexico on Friday evening for the team's annual Pink Out Match, while Saturday the team welcomes Lubbock Christian to the arena for Senior Day. The quartet of Josie Disponette (Wilmore, Kent.), Lennon, Brianna Morris-Worth (Yukon, Okla.) and Lindsey Ogle (Houston) will all be honored prior to the match.