SAN ANGELO, Texas (Sept. 8, 2018) – Texas Woman's took the third set against Angelo State and prevented a sweep but were unable to catch any momentum as they dropped their Lone Star Conference match in four, 24-26, 18-25, 26-24, 22-25.

The Pioneers (6-4) and Belles (9-3) kept the game close with several long rallies and with each team struggling to hold on to a lead for long. ASU was one point away from closing out the game in the third set at 24-23, but TWU came back with three straight points off kills from junior middle blocker Caroline Noel and junior outside hitter Maggie Pyles, and the winner when the duo teamed up for a block on ASU's Sundara Chinn.

Despite an offensive attack from several different Pioneers, the Belles proved to have nearly unstoppable blocking power.

"We'd do a really great job for five or six points in a row, but we'd make a mistake here and there and I think you can really see that in those 14 blocks by Angelo," Pioneers head coach Jeff Huebner said.

Senior outside hitter Makayla Mayfield recorded her best performance of the year with a season-high 16 kills, a .239 hitting percentage and 16 digs.  Junior setter Katy Ranes notched her fifth double-double of the year on 38 assists and 12 digs while adding four blocks along with Caroline Noel. Junior defensive specialist Bailey French led the game in digs at 23.

"Mayfield and Noel did an excellent job of scoring points, but the rest of us had a little bit of trouble with the defense and with keeping focused," Huebner said.

TWU managed a .098 hitting percentage, dipping significantly in the second and fourth sets at .022 and -.030.  For the match, ASU hit .160.

"It's important for us to remember that Angelo State is a top 25 program, so is Tarleton," Huebner said. "The LSC is not forgiving with its schedule, but if we can continue to grow, we have a good opportunity on the road."

The Pioneers travel to #17 Texas A&M-Commerce (7-4) on Tuesday to face the Lions at 6 p.m.