LUBBOCK, Texas — Midwestern State (16-10, 9-8) fell to Lubbock Christian (23-6, 15-2) in a tightly contested five-set match at the Rip Griffin Center on Wednesday night, with scores of 20-25, 18-25, 25-23, 25-23, 12-15. The Mustangs recorded a team total of 108 digs.
Midwestern State opened the first set with a steady performance, capitalizing on an early attack error by Lubbock Christian to take the initial lead.
Trinity Vinzant contributed significantly with multiple kills, supported by assists from
Alayna Guerrero. Despite several service errors, MSU remained competitive, keeping the score tight and trailing by just one at 9-8. As the set progressed, Lubbock Christian managed to extend their lead with an effective offensive sequence, marked by consecutive kills from Emilee Sikora. The Mustangs responded with a series of successful plays, including a service ace by
Aissa Villarreal and kills from
Jaiden Wright and Vinzant, narrowing the gap to 20-17. However, LCU secured the first set, closing with a 25-20 advantage.
The second set began with MSU gaining early momentum through a block by
Arrianna Fields and
Jaiden Wright, followed by a service ace from Vinzant, establishing a 2-0 lead. The Lady Chaps responded, leveling the score, but the Mustangs regained control with kills from Wright and
Demi Stauffenberg, reaching a 4-2 advantage. As the set progressed, both teams exchanged points, with Lubbock Christian taking a slight edge. MSU's efforts were highlighted by
Isabella Dickens and Fields' crucial kills, maintaining a tight contest at 11-12. However, LCU built a lead through effective plays from Payton Murray and Lily Bickley, extending their margin to 19-13. The Mustangs attempted a comeback with consecutive points from Vinzant and Wright, narrowing the gap to 19-16. Despite the surge, Lubbock Christian capitalized on a service ace and a final kill by Sikora to close the set at 25-18.
Midwestern State opened the third set with Dickens contributing significantly, scoring four early kills to keep the scores tight. Vinzant's service ace shifted momentum, putting the Maroon & Gold ahead briefly. The teams exchanged points until a series of attack errors allowed LCU to edge ahead. MSU responded with a critical block from Wright and Vinzant, which brought the score to a tie. Vinzant continued her impact with another kill to regain the lead. A late surge from Dickens and Vinzant, with decisive kills, allowed MSU to secure the set. The final score of the set was 25-23 in favor of the Mustangs.
In the fourth set, MSU began with a kill from Fields, assisted by Guerrero, setting the stage for a competitive set. Despite an initial response from LCU, Dickens and Stauffenberg's kills, along with Villarreal's service ace, helped to level the score at 4-4. As the set progressed, the Mustangs pulled ahead with a series of kills from Vinzant and Dickens, extending the lead to 16-10. LCU attempted a comeback with Murray's efforts, but consistent scoring from the combination of Guerrero and Dickens maintained the advantage for MSU. In the closing plays, a decisive kill by Wright, once again set by Guerrero, clinched the set for the Mustangs with a 25-23 win, concluding a tightly contested set and securing the victory.
Midwestern State faced a challenging fifth set, starting with Lubbock Christian's early lead. A kill by Stauffenberg and an attack error by the opponent helped keep the score close in the early exchanges. However, LCU continuously edged ahead. Fields and Dickens contributed key kills that kept MSU within reach, but Lubbock Christian managed to extend their advantage to 13-7. A late surge by the Mustangs, highlighted by kills from Vinzant and Wright, narrowed the gap to 14-12. Despite the late rally, LCU secured the final point with a kill from Sikora, concluding the set at 15-12 in favor of the Lady Chaps.
Vinzant recorded 17 digs and added 20 points, showcasing her defensive capabilities. Dickens led the team with 21 kills on 48 attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .354. Guerrero contributed significantly with 54 assists and 16 digs, while Wright was formidable at the net, totaling nine blocks.
Midwestern State waits for the results of matches played this coming weekend to learn its fate as it seeks a berth in the 2025 LSC Volleyball Championship.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
