KINGSVILLE, Texas — Midwestern State (5-2, 0-0 Lone Star) secured a decisive 3-0 victory in the Lone Star Challenge over Texas A&M International (2-7, 0-0 Lone Star) at Steinke Center on Friday night, with a notable second-set attack percentage of .375.
The first set began with Texas A&M International taking an early 3-0 lead, capitalizing on errors by MSU. However, the Mustangs responded with a critical sequence, highlighted by a kill from
Jaiden Wright and a block by
Isabella Dickens, to close the gap to 5-3.
Alayna Guerrero played a pivotal role in shifting momentum, providing multiple assists during a decisive 5-point run, including kills from
Arrianna Fields and a crucial service ace, which turned a 9-7 deficit into a 12-9 lead. As the set progressed, Guerrero continued to distribute effectively, culminating in a strong finish with Fields securing the final point to close out the set at 25-17.
The second set began with a strong start from MSU, as Dickens and Wright contributed to an early 6-1 lead, highlighted by Dickens' service ace. Fields and
Jorgia Sanchez further extended the advantage with precise kills, pushing the score to 13-5. Guerrero's consistent setting, resulting in numerous successful kills, helped maintain the Mustangs' momentum.
Trinity Vinzant sealed the set with a kill, followed by a service ace from
Demi Stauffenberg, concluding the period at 25-14 in favor of Maroon & Gold.
The third set began with Texas A&M International taking an early lead, but MSU turned the momentum with a series of strategic plays. Guerrero facilitated a crucial stretch, providing assists leading to kills by Fields and Vinzant, who recorded multiple key points. The Mustangs capitalized on a scoring streak through service aces by Guerrero and
Giselle Cazares, building a commanding lead. Despite Texas A&M International's attempts to rally, MSU maintained their advantage and sealed the set at 25-21, showcasing consistent execution and a strong offensive presence.
Guerrero facilitated the offense with 36 assists while also contributing three service aces and 14 digs. Fields led the attack with 13 kills on 28 attempts, hitting .429, and added two blocks. Stauffenberg bolstered the defense, collecting 15 digs over the match. Dickens added depth to the attack with 10 kills and chipped in with two blocks.
The next challenge for the Mustangs is Texas A&M-Kingsville. The match is scheduled for Saturday at Steinke Center, with action beginning at 1 p.m.
