DENTON, Texas - Lauryn Bourne had a .296 hitting percentage with a season-high 12 kills and 14 points, but Midwestern State lost three close sets (22-25, 20-25, 27-29) to East Central (Okla.) in their final Denton Volleyfest match at Kitty Magee Arena.

Bourne started a five-point run in the first set with her second kill of the match as the Mustangs took a 12-8 lead over the Tigers. ECU responded by winning nine of the next 10 points to take an 18-13 lead. Bourne and Sadie Portmann had back-to-back kills as the Mustangs closed the gap and trailed 21-20 after winning 4-of-5 points. Taylor Anderson and Bourne registered consecutive kills to pressure the Tigers, who held a 23-22 lead. Emma Strickland scored for East Central with a kill and then held serve as ECU prevailed in the opening set.

The Mustangs and ECU were tied 15-15 in the second set before the Tigers won nine of the next 10 points to take a 24-16 lead. Midwestern State fended off four set points, but Nyah Walker ended the set with a kill for the Tigers.

East Central was anxious to close out the match and won four straight points to open the third set. Taylor Anderson, Kelli Ell and Bourne all had kills for the Mustangs, who rallied to make it 9-8 in favor of the Tigers. ECU extended its lead to 17-11 before MSU came charging back, led by Bourne and Ell. The two outside hitters combined for six kills in a 15-8 run that gave the Mustangs a set point at 26-25.

Sadie Portmann's eighth kill of the match gave Midwestern State another set point, but the Tigers closed out the match by winning the final three points.

Taygon Jones finished with a season-high 23 digs, and Regan Willms finished with 22 assists for the Mustangs, who hit .130 for the match. Bourne had just four errors on 27 swings.

Midwestern State returns to Kitty Magee Arena for the LSC Crossover. The Maroon and Gold face Texas A&M International Thursday at 4 p.m. The Mustangs will also see Western New Mexico, Cameron and Texas Woman's University in the four-match event.
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