Box Score (html)
AUSTIN, Texas – After falling behind early in their fourth and final match at the St. Edward's Hilltopper Classic, the Bulldogs showed great composure to put away Franklin Pierce 3-1 (24-26, 25-20, 25-18, 25-21) and end the tournament with a 2-2 mark.
Juniors
Carly Zak and
Kayla Hebert contributed in multiple facets of the match, with both recording double-doubles. Zak recorded 13 kills and 14 digs, while Hebert posted a match-high 46 assists and 11 digs.
Paige Holt had a massive day for the Bulldogs, leading all players with 15 kills while hitting at a .500 clip.
The Bulldogs staved off set point in the first set of the day three times after trailing by as many as five midway through. However, the Ravens eventually took the set 26-24 to jump out to a 1-0 lead. SWOSU found another gear in the second and third sets, racing to decisive victories on the strength of Holt's hitting, while Hebert's service kept Franklin Pierce on their heels.
SWOSU raced out to a 6-0 advantage in the pivotal fourth set, but saw their lead evaporate as the Ravens clawed their way back into the set. Zak took over in the fourth with four kills.
Kelsi Schmidtberger, who had a solid first set, found her rhythm again in the fourth as she picked up key points as the Bulldogs pulled away late to complete the comeback victory.
The Dawgs finished the match hitting at a .224, their second-best percentage of the tournament. They also posted their best marks in both kills and assists.
SWOSU has a couple days off before returning to the court on Wednesday, Sept. 9 with a triangular in Wichita Falls, Texas against Midwestern State and Texas Wesleyan. The Bulldogs' first match is set for a 3 pm start against the Mustangs.
