BELTON, Texas - The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor volleyball team battled East Texas Baptist University in a five-set contest Saturday afternoon at the Mayborn Campus Center in Belton. The Cru ultimately fell to the Tigers 3-2.
UMHB came out strong in the opening set. The Crusaders held ETBU to 18 points in the frame, earning a 25-18 victory to take a 1-0 lead.
The Crusaders continued their momentum in the second set, overcoming a competitive back-and-forth start to pull away late in the set. With the score tied at 22-22, UMHB closed the set with three consecutive points to secure a 25-22 win and take a commanding 2-0 match advantage.
ETBU responded in the third set, finding their offensive rhythm to earn a 25-21 victory. The Tigers carried that momentum into the fourth set, taking a commanding lead of 19-9 before forcing a fifth set with a 25-19 win.
The Tigers maintained their momentum into the final set, opening with a 6-0 run. UMHB battled back behind Sandoval and the Crusader offense, but ETBU maintained its advantage and secured the 15-9 victory to take the match.
Lilli Sandoval led the Cru with 18 kills, while
Ava Ribakovs had 12.
Chloe Brandt led the Cru in assists tallying 23 assists, while Ava Ribkovs had 15.
Angie Garcia was a defensive front for the Cru totaling 16 digs, while
Ava Ribakovs had 10, and
Chloe Brandt added nine.
Natalie Hughes and
Lilli Sandoval were named to the All-ASC Tournament team. The Crusaders concluded the season with a 21-7 overall record and a 9-1 mark in American Southwest Conference play.
