Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Claims Southland Volleyball Tournament Title
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – After 12 hard-fought sets, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi completed its title run at the Southland Conference Volleyball Tournament with a 3-2 win over No. 2 Sam Houston Saturday afternoon at Dugan Wellness Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Islanders had four players in double-digit kills, led by 17 from senior Hannah Froeschl and 36 digs from Southland Libero of the Year Carissa Barnes.
The Islanders picked up steam in the opening set with 15 kills and a .310 team hitting percentage in the 25-19 win. Chloe Simon, Rachel Young and Froeschl registered four kills apiece to lead the way, while the A&M-Corpus Christi defense limited Sam Houston to a .182 attack percentage and 13 kills on 44 swing.
Game two turned into a marathon set, featuring 15 ties and five lead changes before the Bearkats squeaked out a narrow 36-34 win. After four kills in the opening set, Ashley Lewis awoke in the second game for seven kills on 25 attempts to pace the Bearkats’ offense. Samantha Rodgers recorded an early solo block to set the tone for SHSU’s defense, while McKenzie Morvant closed the set at the net with a solo block of her own to seal the win for the ‘Kats.
Despite five consecutive Sam Houston points to start the third set, Froeschl took the reins for A&M-Corpus Christi in the third set, claiming seven of the Islanders’ 19 digs on the way to a 25-23 victory. Faith Panhans set up the final two points for the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, the last of which was finished by Montez Uigaese.
De’Jenae Gilmore took control for the ‘Kats in the fourth set with five of her team’s 11 kills for a stellar .400 team hitting percentage. Sam Houston’s defense stunned the Islanders behind a trio of solo blocks, two from Lewis and one from Morgan Janda. The Bearkats cruised to a 25-13 win to even the match at two game apiece
In the decisive fifth set, A&M-Corpus Christi took charge of the pace with 10 of their 15 points coming on kills. Young showed up with four successful attacks, while the Islanders’ defense banded together for 11 digs to withstand the ‘Kats final push and take the 15-12 win.
The victory marks the first Southland Tournament title for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi since the 2016 season and the third in program history. The Islanders have earned the Southland’s automatic bid to the NCAA Volleyball Tournament, which will be held in Omaha, Neb., April 14-24, and will find out their opponent during the NCAA selection show Sunday, April 4, at 3 p.m. CT on ESPNU.
Southland Volleyball All-Tournament Team
| Name |
Pos. |
Cl. |
School |
| Chloe Simon (MVP) |
OH |
Sr. |
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi |
| Hannah Froeschl |
MB |
Sr. |
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi |
| Rachel Young |
MB |
Jr. |
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi |
| Ashley Lewis |
OH/RS |
Sr. |
Sam Houston |
| Morgan Janda |
S |
So. |
Sam Houston |
| Charlie Tidwell |
OH |
Fr. |
Central Arkansas |
| Kennedy Wright |
OH |
So. |
Stephen F. Austin |