Nov. 13, 2009
The University of Texas-Pan American women's volleyball team captured a 3-2 win in their final home match of the season versus Houston Baptist this Friday (Nov. 13) afternoon at the UTPA Fieldhouse.
The last time the women captured a home win was on Oct. 31, 2008 when they defeated Texas Southern in three straight sets.
"Tonight's contest featured two teams that were evenly matched. The winner in the end was going to be the one who wanted it the most and we wanted it more," said head volleyball coach Angela Hubbard.
"Each time we step out on that court, we need to play to win."
The Lady Broncs started 2-0 as they picked up 25-21 and 25-23 wins in the first two sets. As Houston Baptist took a lead on a service ace by Natalie Magat, in the first set, the Lady Broncs made their way back and tied the score at 19 on a kill by Jimena Gandara. UTPA took the final lead on an attack error by HBU.
The second set was much like the first for UTPA, but a kill by Kaitlin Vasquez secured the final lead for the Lady Broncs. UTPA then fell short in the third and fourth sets as they lost 15-25 and 24-26, respectively.
With one last chance to grab a win, the Lady Broncs started the fifth set 5-0 before HBU was able to score. Houston Baptist came within three of UTPA, but fell short as a kill by Rita Gonzalez secured the final win for the Lady Broncs.
Senior Noelle Mayor led the team offensively with 11 kills along with four assists, two digs, and three blocks. Freshman Sarah Davis added nine kills along with one dig and four blocks. Rita Gonzalez also added 34 assists for the Lady Broncs along with 12 digs, while Rebecca Toddy recorded 20 digs.
Houston Baptist featured four Huskies in double-digit kills with Heather Leaverton collecting a match-high 16 kills. Setter Natalie Magat recorded 56 assists for the Huskies, while Courtney Whittleman added 28 digs.
The Lady Broncs will have a week off before heading to Houston, Texas for the inaugural Great West Conference Tournament on Nov. 20 hosted by Houston Baptist.
UTPA Sports Information
