COMMERCE, Texas (Nov. 13) – The TWU volleyball team closed out its regular season with a sweep at Texas A&M-Commerce, 26-24, 25-22, and 25-17.  With the win the Pioneers improved to 23-6 on the season and 12-4 in the Lone Star Conference.
 
Senior Hillary Shaffer led the team with nine kills while junior Sara Oxford and sophomore Briley Cole added eight kills each.  Oxford also added 12 digs and seven blocks on defense.  Junior Mallory Kuechle posted 10 digs while senior Joey Redwine had 26 assists and eight digs.  Senior Torie Talkington and freshman Makayla Mayfield each posted nine digs.
 
In the first set the Pioneers trailed by as many as four points but used a 6-2 run to tie the score at 20-20.  After both teams traded points, TWU closed out the set on Shaffer's kills followed by Mayfield's service ace.
 
In the second set both teams split the first 20 points before the Pioneers went on a 7-4 run.  TWU maintained at least a two-point lead rest of the way before winning the set by three.
 
In the third the Pioneers turned a 13-12 lead into a 20-12 lead with seven straight points.  TWU lead by as many as nine points before winning the set by eight points to close out the game.
 
"I am proud of the girls for picking up a quick three-set win on the road," said TWU head coach Shelly Barberee.  "Even though we locked up the three seed in the LSC Tournament prior to the game, this win is key for two reasons.  One, you want to go into the postseason on a winning streak.  Two, this is a regional win on the road and a loss can drop you in the rankings."
 
TWU finished the game with a .241 hitting percentage and recorded 10.5 team blocks.
 
The Pioneers will return to action when they play in the Lone Star Conference Championship Tournament on Nov. 19-21.  The tournament seeding and the host site will be determined on Saturday.