Bearkats Survive Ladyjacks
NACOGDOCHES, Texas ? In the tournament’s first five-set match, Sam Houston State closed the door on Stephen F. Austin’s hopes of claiming the Southland Conference Volleyball Tournament title on their home floor, 3-2 (25-21, 18-25, 17-25, 25-16, 18-16) to advance to the semifinals.
No. 5 Sam Houston took the early advantage in a first set win. The No. 4 Ladyjacks rebounded to take the next two sets and control of the match heading into the fourth set. The Bearkats took control of the match in the most lopsided set pushing the match to a decisive fifth set.
No. 5 seed Sam Houston State was led by freshman outside hitter Carli Kolbe’s season-high 18 kills, her 14th 10-plus kill match of the season. Senior middle blocker Haley Thomas added 13 kills. Sophomore setter Kym Loving tallied 50 of SHSU’s 53 assists, her second-highest total of the season.
Four Ladyjacks recorded 10 or more kills led by first team all-conference selections, Mary Caitlin Bottles with 17, and Lauren Railey with 14. Sophomore outside hitter Kelsey Owens added 13 and senior outside hitter Shelly Swendig had 11.
The loss by SFA ends a seven year streak of semifinal appearances dating back to 2001.
Sam Houston State advances to the semifinals and to face regular-season champion and No. 1 seed Texas State. Match time is scheduled to begin Saturday at 4 p.m. The winner will advance to the tournament title match on Sunday at 2 p.m.