Aggie Volleyball defeats Texas State to open Texas A&M Invitational, 3-1
Texas A&M Volleyball (5-1) defeated the Texas State Bobcats (2-5) 3-1 to open the Texas A&M Invitational. In the first home game of the season, the Aggies showed out in front of the 12th Man to start tournament play.
Set One: Texas A&M 25-11
A&M cruised to a 25-11 win in the first set, making quick work of the Bobcats. The Aggies jumped out to an early 7-1 lead, forcing a Texas State timeout. With a comfortable 20-9 A&M lead, Hollann Hans and Lauren Davis each had three kills going into the second Texas State timeout. The Aggies closed out the set, finishing with a team total of 13 kills, 4.0 blocks, 12 digs and a .417 hitting percentage. Davis led the team with four kills.
Set Two: Texas State 25-19
Texas State took control of the set early, up 15-7 at the first A&M timeout. The Aggies struggled to locate their kills, missing down the sidelines. A&M slowly chipped away at the lead, coming back within four points to force a Texas State timeout, down 19-15. However, the Bobcats regained control, taking the second set 25-18. Four Aggies had two kills each, the team-high for the set.
Set Three: Texas A&M 25-21
The Aggies regained the lead in a back and forth third set, winning 25-21 and overcoming 11 ties and five lead changes. With the Aggies approaching set point, they led 21-17 going into the second Texas State timeout, holding on to claim the 2-1 lead. Makena Patterson and Camille Conner each had an ace and three kills in a three-way tie with Hans for team-high kills.
Set Four: Texas A&M 25-20
Texas A&M took the fourth set 25-20 to secure the win over the Bobcats. The Aggies controlled the final set, leading comfortably en route to victory. Lauren Davis led the team with five kills, followed closely by Hans with four, while three Aggies recorded aces.
Notable Performances
Three Aggies recorded career highs opening on their new court. Senior libero Camila Gomez recorded 23 digs, surpassing her previous high of 19. Patterson, the junior middle blocker, and freshman opposite hitter Treyaunna Rush each earned career highs in blocks.
“I was staying disciplined with blocking,” Patterson said. “Texas State has a very fast-paced offense. We worked a lot of quick moves in practice, so I focused on that this match and it worked for us.”
Thoughts from Coach Bird Kuhn
“Our defense is what set the tone and it started at the net,” said Kuhn. “I’m glad we played them first. That style home opener against a solid team is how you want to figure out where you are and how you’re going to compete.”
Up Next
The Aggies play at Reed Arena Friday at 10:00 a.m. facing off against Northwestern State. They wrap up the tournament Friday evening at 7:30 against UTRGV.