Texas Longhorns volleyball team clinches fifth conference title – Volleyball News
The thrilling encounter between two conference foes, Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies, proved to be one heck of match-up on Wednesday, November 23. The two in-state rivals clashed at the Reed Arena in College Station, Texas. It was the final home appearance
for Aggies in the regular season, whereas Longhorns have one more game scheduled at the weekend. In the season closing match, the Aggies put in their body, mind, and soul but still failed to overcome the Longhorns. The nationally fifth ranked Texas team, exhibited
a stellar performance and downed their opponents by sending 25-22, 25-19, 25-20 on board. Victory enabled the Longhorns to get hold of the fifth conference title as well.
The Longhorns were supported by All-American and Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year Rachael Adams in the match. Moreover, seniors Michelle Kocher, Amber Roberson and Sydney Yogi as well as sophomore setter Hannah Allison also did a great job in pulling
out an amazing straight set win for Horns.
Freshman outside hitter, Haley Eckerman, put out 18 kills for Horns and recorded .455 hitting percentage. Sophomore outside hitter Bailey Webster and Sha'Dare McNeal were exceptionally good on centre court and they added 11 and 10 kills, respectively.
Setter Hannah recorded an assist/dig double-double with 40 assists and 12 digs.
The opening of the match was slow as both teams took some time to settle down on centre court. Gradually, Texas paced up things with back to back attacks and earned a lead of 9-6. Aggies struggled to catch up with the Horns but faced resistance from the
opposite side. Texas continued the run and took the next jump to 19-14. Meanwhile, Aggies surrounded Texas with 6-1 run and knotted the set at 20-all. Down the stretch, Texas put together a 3-0 rally that improved their chances of winning the opening frame.
Aggies put up good effort but ended up with the loss of first set, 22-25.
Using the winning edge, Longhorns built a 5-1 lead in the second set and did not allow A&M to come up. Eckerman's kills helped the Horns to stretch the gap of points to 12-5. Aggies narrowed the gap to two points but the Horns responded with five late kills
by Eckerman, which pushed Texas to a 25-19 victory.
Following the loss of two sets in row, Aggies attacked aggressively and managed to make a good start in third set. Aggies led the scores with 6-1 before Eckerman came out firing and put Texas in lead. UT exchanged quick rallies and secured third set (25-20)
and announced match triumph.
The Horns will return to action on Saturday when they will take on Oklahoma in Austin, while Texas A&M will travel to Iowa state, in order to take on the hosts.
Tags: