WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Midwestern State (15-7, 8-5 Lone Star) secured a decisive 3-1 victory over Dallas Baptist University (11-9, 5-7 Lone Star) on Friday at D.L. Ligon Coliseum, 25-19, 26-24, 23-25, 25-21. The Mustangs' attack was led by a robust performance in the first set, hitting .361 with 15 kills. Midwestern State improved to 9-0 at home this season.
Midwestern State began the first set with a steady performance, taking advantage of early errors from DBU.
Alayna Guerrero facilitated a balanced attack with assists to
Trinity Vinzant and
Arrianna Fields, establishing a slim lead.
Following a series of exchanges, the Mustangs capitalized on a crucial 6-0 run late in the set, aided by decisive kills from
Demi Stauffenberg and
Jaiden Wright, and a service ace by Vinzant.
In the second set, MSU found itself trailing early as the Patriots capitalized on a service ace and a few attack errors to take a 4-2 lead. However, the Mustangs responded with a series of effective plays, including a kill by
Isabella Dickens and a block by
Trinity Vinzant and
Jaiden Wright, closing the gap to 5-4.
The Maroon & Gold continued to fight back with contributions from
Arrianna Fields and Vinzant, both delivering key kills to level the score at 15-15. As the set progressed, the teams traded points with Guerrero assisting on multiple plays, tying the score again at 22-22 with a crucial kill by Vinzant.
The set reached a dramatic conclusion with MSU edging ahead 25-24 after a DBU attack error, followed by a decisive service ace from Guerrero to secure the set 26-24.
In the third set, MSU started with substitutions, introducing Fields and
Aissa Villarreal. Initially falling behind due to attack errors, the team found a turning point with a kill by Stauffenberg from Guerrero, breaking the Patriots' early scoring streak. Despite trailing, the team mounted a significant comeback with a pivotal service ace by Vinzant, leveling the score at 10-10.
The momentum continued as the Mustangs, led by service aces and strong defensive plays, temporarily gained the lead at 14-12. Fields was instrumental with multiple kills, supported by Guerrero's consistent assists. However, DBU responded, pushing the score to a tense 19-19 tie.
In the closing stages, MSU fought valiantly, with Dickens contributing crucial points. Despite strong efforts from Vinzant and Fields, DBU edged out the set 25-23, concluding the set with a narrow victory.
The Maroon & Gold capitalized on an early momentum shift in the fourth set, with Dickens initiating the scoring from an assist by Guerrero. The teams exchanged points with Vinzant consistently finding success, recording three key kills to keep the score balanced. MSU then seized control through defensive efforts, including a block by Fields and Wright, which contributed to a narrow lead.
As the set progressed, the Mustangs maintained pressure with contributions from Vinzant and Fields, extending their advantage. A service ace by
Jenna Redding and timely kills by Dickens and Stauffenberg pushed the home team ahead. Despite a brief comeback attempt by DBU, MSU secured the set with a decisive kill from Stauffenberg, closing the set at 25-21.
Vinzant led the team with 18 kills and 16 digs, contributing 23 points overall. Fields posted 14 kills with a hitting percentage of .424, adding 16 points to her name. Guerrero distributed the ball effectively with 53 assists while matching Vinzant with 16 digs. Wright was a force at the net with 12 total blocks and hit an efficient .615 with eight kills.
Looking ahead, the Mustangs will host Texas Woman's on Saturday, Nov. 1 at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. First serve is set for 5:30 p.m. CT.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
