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Katie Japp |
The Scorpion Volleyball team started out strong in two matches, but eventually dropped two decisions to NCAA Division II schools Texas A&M International University and host Texas A&M University-Kingsville at its Labor Day Classic at the Steinke Center September 1-2.
UTB/TSC finished the tournament with a 0-4 record, and is now 3-5 in its first season in the NAIA.
Against TAMIU, the Scorpions dropped a 30-26, 29-31, 20-30, 24-30 decision.
Katie Japp led the Scorpions in kills 14, while Lindsay Madsen had 39 assists, Greta Billerbeck had eight blocks, Joanna Knight had 29 digs, and Jenny Ashley and Bridgette Longoria had four aces each.
Against TAMUK, UTB/TSC won the first game again, but could not keep the momentum in a 30-25, 22-30, 22-30, and 26-30 loss.
Japp led the way with 14 kills, while Madsen had 28 assists, Knight 25 digs and Billerbeck six blocks.
"Mentally we were not prepared to finish off these matches," said Scorpion coach Bruce Atkinson. "All of the mistakes were committed on our side. Kingsville didn't earn as many of the points because of the basic fundamental mistakes that we made.
"But we gained something from each one of the losses," Atkinson said. "I wouldn't mind playing any of the teams again, I think we could beat each of them. We have to put into effect what we have on paper, we have the ability, we have to work together on one unit. We need everyone firing on all cylinders."
In matches Friday, September 1, the Scorpions lost to Arkansas-Monticello, an NCAA Division II school, and to Trinity University, a strong NCAA Division III school, in three straight games both times.
UTB/TSC lost to Arkansas-Monticello by scores of 30-27, 30-17, and 30-28. The Scorpions led in the first game, 27-22, before Arkansas-Monticello scored the last eight points of the game.
Ashley led the Scorpions with 10 kills. Madsen had 21 assists, Knight had 28 digs and Billerbeck had 14 blocks.
In the evening match, the Scorpions lost to Trinity, 30-28, 30-26, 30-27. Katie Japp led the Scorpions with 11 kills. Madsen had 27 assists, Knight had 35 digs, and Madsen and Japp had four blocks each.
"Overall, this was a disappointing day," said Scorpion coach Bruce Atkinson. "We definitely could have beaten both teams that we played today. But we hung tough with them. We have two more real tough matches tomorrow (Saturday)."
The Scorpions, now 3-3, will play Saturday against Texas A&M International at 11:00 a.m. and against Texas A&M-Kingsville at 5:00 p.m. Both are NCAA Division II universities.