ABILENE, Texas – Texas Southern dropped its final two matches of the Wildcat Classic at Abilene Christian University on Saturday while Thalia Cordero Moreno earned All-Tournament honors.
In game one, New Mexico claimed a 3-0 decision.
In set one, TSU was on New Mexico's heels as it was 12-11 before the Lobos went on a 9-0 run to break away from the Tigers. TSU would only manage two points the remainder of the way as UNM won 25-13. UNM jumped out to an 11-3 lead to open set two but TSU would put together several runs to stay within striking distance. The contest was a game of runs as every time TSU would answer with three straight points, UNM would counter with the same as they closed set two out on top 25-11. In set three, UNM went on a 6-0 run which turned an 8-5 lead into a 14-5 margin. Outside of a brief three-point run by TSU, UNM controlled the set and claimed the match with a 25-11 win.
Aeris Ramsey led TSU with seven assists and seven digs.
TSU had little time to rest but put forth a valiant effort as Abilene Christian claimed a 3-0 decision in the finale.
Down 13-9 in set one, TSU committed a pair of errors which fueled a brief run by ACU as they led 16-9. The closest TSU would draw was seven points from that point as ACU won 25-14.
Fueled by three points from Danielle Lilley, TSU led 8-6 but attack errors would haunt TSU once again as the Wildcats turned a 8-6 deficit to a 12-8 lead. Lilley and Amber Johnson came up big with big plays and brought TSU back as they were within 18-17 and 20-19 but ACU scored five straight to close out set two 25-19.
TSU continued to fight as they were tied with ACU at 14-all midway through the set. A TSU attack error and ACU ace upped ACU's lead to 16-14 but a kill from Lilley kept TSU within striking distance at 16-15. Unfortunately, the momentum swung back in ACU's favor as ACU scored five straight to take control en route to the match win.
Lilley led TSU with 11 kills while Kaitlyn Scroggins added 10 digs. Dallas Balanay-Flores led the way defensively with 28 assists.
TSU is back in action next Friday at the UTRGV Invitational.
