DENTON, Texas – Texas Woman's cleaned house Friday night with a powerful attack that swept Midwestern State in three sets, 25-15, 25-16, 25- 17.
The Mustangs (2-11, 0-5 LSC) put up a good fight, but barely managed to keep up with the Pioneers (10-5, 2-3 LSC) who extended their current winning streak to four.
"They have some really tall, long, athletic players, so we spent a lot of time this week watching film and talking about our mindset about blocking decisions, defensive decisions and attacking choices," TWU head coach Jeff Huebner said, "and in terms of executing that game plan, I couldn't be happier."
At 4-4 in the first, the Pioneers managed to build some momentum, eventually getting eight straight points that included the winning combination of junior Katy Ranes setting junior Courtney Noel. They spread their lead to the double digits, where it would remain for most of the set. The Mustangs started to show signs of recovery after their second timeout, closing the gap with back-to-back kills, but failed to hold off the Pioneers, who closed the set 25-15.
TWU brought the heat in the second set, increasing their hitting percentage from .194 in the first set to .361. Freshmen Isabel Vega and Liz Ugbaja were successful on the attack, and again it was Noel on the kill to win the set, 25-16.
The Mustangs started strong in the final set, but the Pioneers shifted momentum back in their favor after repeat service aces by senior Makayla Mayfield. Strong playing by the entire Texas Woman's team quickly gave them another comfortable lead that helped them to earn the sweep with a 25-17 win on a final kill by freshman Taylor Frederick.
"I think that we've got a really deep team, and our freshmen continue to get better every day," Huebner said. "I'm really thankful that we've got athletes who are mentally tough and can come into the game and contribute."
Noel, who hit a blistering .615, tied with Vega in kills with nine, while junior Bailey French added another 17 digs, bringing her season total to 312. Ranes registered 39 assists.
The Pioneers conclude this five-game home stand tomorrow with a 2 p.m. Lone Star Conference matchup against Cameron University (2-12, 0-4 LSC).
