BELTON, Texas - The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor women's volleyball team swept Howard Payne University Saturday afternoon in Belton. This win improved the Cru 11-3 on the season and 2-0 in conference play.
The first set was a back-and-forth battle with neither team having a larger lead than two points. The Cru took control of the first set with kills from Allie Thompson and Lilli Sandoval extending the Cru's lead 22-18. Howard Payne fought back but the Cru stood firm and won set one 25-19.
UMHB took a commanding lead 11-3 in the second set. Howard Payne fought back going on a four-point run to close the gap making the score 10-13. Both teams took turns going on individual runs before the Cru sealed the second set win 25-22.
UMHB stayed in control during the third set, maintaining a five-point lead throughout the set. Howard Payne fought back late in the set, going on a five-point run making the score 24-20. The Cru secured the third set win 25-20 with a block from Allie Thompson and Sifa Olang.
Ava Ribokovs led the Cru with nine kills, followed by Lilli Sandoval with eight kills and Allie Thompson with seven kills. Angie Garcia was a defensive force for the Cru tallying 25 digs, while Kaysen Miller added 10 and Ava Ribakovs added nine. Natalie Hughes and Allie Thompson had a block party with Hughes recording seven blocks and Thompson adding five.
UMHB returns to action on Wednesday, September 30th in a 6 p.m. contest against Austin College in Sherman.
