ALPINE, Texas – Midwestern State won for the fourth time in its last five matches and started conference play with a 2-0 record after a 3-1 (21-25, 25-15, 25-20, 26-24) victory over Sul Ross State at Gallego Center on Saturday afternoon.
The Mustangs have a three-match winning streak and improved their overall record to 6-6 despite dropping the first set against the Lobos. Midwestern State established an early three-point lead in the opening frame, but Sul Ross State pulled even with five-point run in the middle of the set and won five of the last six points to take the early lead against the Mustangs.
Midwestern State dominated the second set with two five-point runs during the second set, taking a 19-12 lead before winning six of the final seven points to pull even with the Lobos at a set apiece.
The pivotal third set was a see-saw affair until the Mustangs went on a 10-3 run to take a 19-12 lead. The Mustangs were up 23-17 when the Lobos rallied with three straight points, but a service error and a bad set allowed the Mustangs to close out the set and take a 2-1 lead.
The Mustangs scored the first three points of the fourth set, but Sul Ross answered and took 11 of 13 points to move in front of MSU, 21-16. But the Mustangs closed the match by winning nine of the final 13 points.
Midwestern State improved to 3-3 all-time at Sul Ross State and defeated the Lobos for the sixth straight time. MSU leads the all-time series, 13-4. The Lobos have lost their first 12 matches to start the season and fell to 0-2 in conference play this season.
Midwestern State opens a three-match homestand on Friday night as St. Edward's visits D.L. Ligon Coliseum for a 6 p.m. match. St. Mary's visits the Stangs on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m.
-- MSUMustangs.com --
