KINGSVILLE, Texas (Oct. 30) – The TWU volleyball team captured a straight set victory at Texas A&M-Kingsville, 25-9, 25-21, and 25-20, Friday night.  With the win the Pioneers improved to 20-5 on the season and 9-3 in the Lone Star Conference.
 
TWU recorded 20 or more wins for the third time in the last four years.  It is also the fifth 20-win season under head coach Shelly Barberee.
 
Freshman Makayla Mayfield led the Pioneers with nine kills while senior Hillary Shaffer had eight kills.  Junior Sara Oxford and sophomore Briley Cole added seven kills each.  Oxford also dominated on defense with 11 digs and nine total blocks.  Senior Joey Redwine posted 28 assists while junior Mallory Kuechle led the team with 16 digs.
 
In the first set it was all Pioneers as they jumped out to a 9-2 lead and never looked back.  TWU used a pair of 7-0 runs and posted a .333 team hitting percentage to capture a 16-point win.
 
In the second set both teams split the first 10 points before the Javelinas used a 5-2 run to take a 10-7 lead.  The Pioneers rallied with three straight points to tie the score.  Both teams again went back and forth and Texas A&M-Kingsville took a 20-18 lead before TWU went on a run.  The Pioneers scored five straight points to go on top 23-20 before winning the set by four points.
 
In the third set the Pioneers jumped out to a 5-1 lead but TAMUK rallied to the tie the score at 9-9.  TWU used a 9-4 run to build a five-point lead and held on for the win after posting a .343 hitting percentage.
 
"We played really well and picked up a huge road win because they are right behind us in the standings," said Barberee.  "We came in here with a game plan and stuck to it.  We served really well and recorded 10 team blocks.  I am proud of the girls."
 
The Pioneers will return to action when they host Angelo State on Tuesday, Nov. 3.  First serve is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in Kitty Magee Arena.