TAMUC – Sports

 

Stalder takes the individual title as Lion men are second and women are third at ASU Blue & Gold.

SAN ANGELO –The Texas A&M University-Commerce cross country teams closed their regular season at the Angelo State Blue and Gold Classic on Tuesday evening, with the men’s team finishing in second place and the women’s team finishing third. Brandi Stalder won the individual title in the women’s race.

Stalder (Sanger) won her second career cross country title with a time of 23:22.40, almost three seconds ahead of her nearest competition. Maddie Shubert (Rowlett) finished in 11th place with a time of 25:19.36.

Mikayla Maldonado (Irving – MacArthur) was 14th at 25:52.75, Shelby White (Eustace) was 16th at 27:38.77, and Ruth Leach (Whitesboro) rounded out Lion scorers in 17th at 27:41.56. The Lions scored 59 points to finish behind Angelo State (34) and Tarleton (35).

The Lion men used three top 10 finishers to finish in second. Steeven Martinez (Mesquite – Poteet) led the Lions in sixth place at 27:02.65, followed closely by Garvin Chilton (Katy) in seventh at 27:07.69, and Mason Boswell (Katy) in eighth at 27:08.49.

Sage Breed (Sachse) completed the course in 28:04.84 to place 12th, and Daniel Montiel (Katy – Mayde Creek) followed in 14th place at 29:01.34. Tarleton won the team race with 20 points, followed by A&M-Commerce’s 47 points and Angelo State’s 62.

The Lions will now finalize their preparations for the 2018 Lone Star Conference Cross Country Championships, which will be run at West Texas A&M on Saturday, November 3.

 

 

No. 21 Lions pull outa five-set road win over Cameron

LAWTON, Okla.– The No. 21 Texas A&M University-Commerce volleyball team defeated Cameron University in five sets on Tuesday. The set scores were 25-19, 24-26, 25-16, 17-25 and 15-7.

The win brings the Lions to 21-5 on the season and 13-3 in the Lone Star Conference. The Aggies fall to 3-23 and 1-15 in conference play.

The Lions return to action on Friday for a home match against Western New Mexico. The game is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Field House.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

– Shelley Chapron led the team with 15 kills in the match, hitting .364. She also led the team with seven blocks.
– Celeste Vela recorded her sixth triple-double of the season, totaling 11 kills, 23 assists, and a team-high 20 digs. She hit .318 in the match while also recording two aces.
– Bina Njikam also had 11 kills, hitting a team-high .409. Madison Luther, Jaslyn Wacker, and Jaryn Wacker each had nine kills.
– Rylie Fuentes led the team with 28 assists. Savannah Rutledge had 18 digs while Daniela Santos had 10.
– The Lions hit .252 in the match while Cameron hit .176.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Aggies got off to a hot start, scoring five of the first seven points of the match. The Lions then slowly began to chip away at the Cameron lead. Back-to-back kills from Luther tied the set at eight. After another CU run put them up by three, the Lions scored five points in a row to take the lead for good in the set. Luther led the team with four kills in the game. Four different Lions had three kills in the set.

Cameron again got off to a hot start in the second set, taking eight of the first 10 points. The Lions stemmed the tide and began to climb back into the game. Halfway through the set, the Lions had cut the lead to two. Trailing by three late in the set, the Lions went on a 4-0 run to take a 22-21 lead. The teams continued to battle, and the game went into extra points. However, it was the Aggies who pulled out the final three points, winning the set 26-24.

This time it was the Lions who got out to a quick start in the third set, taking the first three points. The Lions built their lead to four before Cameron fought back to tie the game. The teams traded points until the teams were tied at 13-all. The Lions then rattled off six-straight points to take a commanding lead. It was part of a run where the Lions scored 12 of the final 15 points to win the set 25-16. Vela and Chapron each had four kills in the game.

After an even start to the fourth set, the Aggie offense took over the fourth set. Trailing 6-4, the Aggies scored 11 points in a row to take a nine-point lead. The Lions could not recover and fell 25-17 in the fourth set.

After the teams split the first eight points of the final set, the Lions took control of the game. A&M-Commerce went on a 10-1 run to put the match out of reach. They won the set 15-7. Chapron had three kills in the final set.

 

 

Lion Soccer announces site change for Wednesday match against TWU.

COMMERCE– The Texas A&M University-Commerce soccer team has announced a schedule change. Due to unplayable field conditions, Wednesday’s match against Texas Woman’s will be moved to Kyle Field in Rockwall. The game will still be played at 7:00 pm.

Any further schedule changes will be announced on LionAthletics.com and the Lion Athletics social media channels.

 

 

Lions set a school record en route to a runner-up finish at Skyhawk Intercollegiate.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Texas A&M University-Commerce women’s golf team claimed runner-up honors at the Skyhawk Women’s Fall Intercollegiate at the University of New Mexico’s Championship Course on Tuesday.

The Lions shot a 36-hole total of 594 (291-303, +10), marking the program’s best-ever score about par and third-best overall score. A&M-Commerce and MSU Texas tied for runner-up honors, four strokes behind West Texas A&M.

Sarah Wongsinth (Udon Thani, Thailand) shot an even-par 73 on Tuesday, carding five birdies throughout the day. She earned her second top-five finish this season and fourth top 10 finish in as many chances, tying for fifth with a 36-hole total of 145 (72-73, -1).

Paige-Lee Garris (West Palm Beach, Fla.) had an eagle and four birdies on the way to a 2-over par 75 in Tuesday’s round. She earned her second top 10 finish of the season, placing ninth at 1-over par 147 (72-75).

Makena Thomas (San Antonio – Reagan) placed 13th at 5-over par 151 (72-79) with three birdies in Tuesday’s round. Sophie-Charlott Hempel (Pirmasens, Germany) was one stroke behind her in 16th place at 6-over par 152 (75-77). Lauren Leslie (Fair Oaks Ranch – Clear Brook) placed 40th at 258 (80-78, +12) and Karlee Nichols (Smithson Valley) put 48th competing as an individual with a score of 161 (80-81, +15).

The Lions complete their fall schedule with top-five finishes in all four events. They will next hit the links competitively on March 4-5, 2019, at the St. Mary’s Lady Rattler Invitational in San Antonio.

Rank	Team	Scores		Total	Par
1.	West Texas A&M	291	299	590	+6
2.	A&M-COMMERCE	291	303	594	+10
	MSU Texas	293	301	594	+10
4.	Cal State San Marcos	304	295	599	+15
5.	Rogers State	296	307	603	+19
6.	Colorado State-Pueblo	305	312	617	+33
7.	Tex. A&M-Kingsville	313	306	619	+35
8.	Dixie State	306	322	628	+44
9.	Western N.M.	309	321	630	+46
10.	Regis	320	313	633	+49
11.	Fort Lewis	328	332	660	+76
	Lubbock Christian	325	335	660	+76
13.	Adams State	342	326	668	+84
14.	UT Permian Basin	336	340	676	+92
15.	Chadron State	339	344	683	+99
16.	Cal State Los Angeles	341	345	686	+102

A&M-COMMERCE	291	303	594	+10	t-2nd
Sarah Wongsinth	72	73	145	-1	t-5th
Paige-Lee Garris	72	75	147	+1	9th
Makena Thomas	72	79	151	+5	t-13th
Sophie-Charlott Hempel	75	77	152	+6	t-16th
Lauren Leslie	80	78	158	+12	t-40th
Karlee Nichols#	80	81	161	+15	t-48th

 

 

Volleyball jumps to No. 21 in AVCA Poll after an undefeated week

COMMERCE– The Texas A&M University-Commerce volleyball team is ranked No. 21 in this week’s American Volleyball Coaches’ Association poll. The poll was released Monday. It is the eighth consecutive week the Lions were ranked nationally.

The Lions won both of their games last week on the road. On Tuesday, the Lions, away, defeated Texas Women’s in four sets. A&M-Commerce at A&M-Kingsville defeated them in four sets on Friday. The Lions have won 13 of their last 14 matches.

The Lions are one of two teams from the Lone Star Conference in this week’s AVCA rankings. Tarleton State is ranked 11th. The Lions have faced five teams in the top-25 rankings and have a record of 4-2 against top-25 ranked teams so far this season.

The No. 21 Lions return to action on Tuesday with a road match against Cameron. The game will be at 5:30 pm in Lawton, Okla. The Lions will then host two home matches over the weekend. They will host Western New Mexico on Friday at 5:00 pm and UT Permian Basin on Saturday at 1:00 pm. Tickets for both matches are available at WeAreLionsTix.com, by calling (903) 468-8756 or by visiting the Lion Sales & Service Box Office in the Field House.

2018 AVCA Division II Top-25 Coaches Poll – Oct. 22 (Week 9) 

Rk.	School (First Place)	Pts.	DII Record
1	Concordia – St. Paul (28)	1146	21-4
2	Western Washington (7)	1091	19-3
3	Cal State San Bernardino (4)	1071	20-2
4	Tampa (3)	1028	23-1
5	Northern State (1)	962	22-2
6	Nebraska-Kearney (2)	934	26-2
7	Washburn (2)	897	25-1
8	Minnesota Duluth	844	20-5
9	Cal State L.A. (1)	790	20-1
10	Ferris State	762	19-4
11	Tarleton State	676	23-2
12	Southwest Minnesota State	638	17-7
13	Drury	579	21-4
14	Central Oklahoma	543	24-4
15	Central Missouri	495	20-6
16	Cal Poly Pomona	430	19-3
17	Palm Beach Atlantic	406	22-3
18	Wheeling Jesuit	359	24-3
19	West Florida	280	19-7
20	Gannon	255	23-1
21	Texas A&M-Commerce	238	20-5
22	Lewis	221	18-6
23	Rockhurst	202	22-5
24	Barry	166	23-2
25	Michigan Tech	135	20-4

 

 

Lions tied for the lead after opening round at Skyhawk Intercollegiate with school-record round

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Texas A&M University-Commerce women’s golf team tied for the lead after the opening round of the Skyhawk Women’s Fall Intercollegiate at the University of New Mexico’s Championship Course on Monday.

The Lions shot 1-under par 291 on the par 73 layout and are tied with West Texas A&M for the team lead after 18 holes. The 291 ties the school record for lowest round and marks the first time in school history the Lion women have shot under par.

Three players tied for fourth, all shooting 1-under par 72 on the day. Paige-Lee Garris (West Palm Beach, Fla.) had five birdies in her round, Sarah Wongsinth (Udon Thani, Thailand) had four birdies, and Makena Thomas (San Antonio – Reagan) carded three birdies.

Sophie-Charlott Hempel (Pirmasens, Germany) tied for 16th at 2-over par 75, and Lauren Leslie (Fair Oaks Ranch – Clear Brook) tied for 48th at 7-over par 80. Karlee Nichols (Smithson Valley) also shot an 80 competing as an individual.

A&M-Commerce and West Texas are two strokes ahead of MSU Texas and five strokes ahead of Rogers State on the team leaderboard entering their final round of the fall on Tuesday. The tournament concludes with an 8:30 a.m. MDT shotgun start. The Lions paired with West Texas A&M, MSU Texas, and Rogers State.

Rank	Team	Total	Par
1.	A&M-COMMERCE	291	-1
	West Texas A&M	291	-1
3.	MSU Texas	293	+1
4.	Rogers State	296	+4
5.	Cal State San Marcos	304	+12
6.	Colorado State-Pueblo	305	+13
7.	Dixie State	306	+14
8.	Western N.M.	309	+17
9.	Tex. A&M-Kingsville	313	+21
10.	Regis	320	+28
11.	Lubbock Christian	325	+33
12.	Fort Lewis	328	+36
13.	UT Permian Basin	336	+44
14.	Chadron State	339	+47
15.	Cal State Los Angelese	341	+49
16.	Adams State	342	+50

A&M-COMMERCE	291	-1	t-1st
Paige-Lee Garris	72	-1	t-4th
Makena Thomas	72	-1	t-4th
Sarah Wongsinth	72	-1	t-4th
Sophie Hempel	75	+2	t-16th
Lauren Leslie	80	+7	t-48th
Karlee Nichols#	80	+7	t-48th

 

 

No. 18 Lions ranked seventh in initial Super Region Four rankings.

INDIANAPOLIS– The No. 18 Texas A&M University-Commerce football team is ranked seventh in the initial release of the NCAA Division II Super Region Four rankings, as announced Monday.

The Lions are 6-2 overall with a 4-2 record in-region. Super Region Four consists of the Lone Star, Rocky Mountain Athletic, Great Northwest Athletic and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate conferences. The top seven teams in the region at the completion of the season will advance to the NCAA Division II Football Championship.

Four undefeated teams are remaining in the region. Minnesota Duluth (8-0) is ranked first, followed by second-ranked Minnesota State-Mankato (8-0) and third-ranked Colorado School of Mines. Tarleton State (7-0) is ranked fifth. Tarleton is set to face sixth-seed MSU Texas on Saturday.

Also in the rankings are fourth-seed Colorado State-Pueblo, eighth-seed Central Washington, ninth-seed St. Cloud State and 10th-seed Azusa Pacific.

The Lions have three games remaining on their regular season schedule, beginning this Saturday with a Homecoming home game against West Texas A&M. Kickoff is 4:00 pm at Memorial Stadium. Tickets are available by visiting WeAreLionsTix.com, calling (903) 468-8756, or visiting the Lion Sales & Service Box Office in the Field House.

NCAA Division II Super Region Four Rankings – October 22, 2018

Rk.	School	In-Region	DII Record
1	Minnesota-Duluth	8-0	8-0
2	Minnesota State	8-0	8-0
3	Colorado School of Mines	8-0	8-0
4	Colorado State-Pueblo	7-1	7-1
5	Tarleton	7-0	7-0
6	MSU Texas	5-1	6-1
7	A&M-COMMERCE	4-2	6-2
8	Central Washington	6-1	6-1
9	St. Cloud State	6-2	6-2
10	Azusa Pacific	5-2	5-2

 

 

Lions hold at No. 18 in AFCA Coaches’ Poll.

WACO – The Texas A&M University-Commerce football team is ranked No. 18 in this week’s 2018 American Football Coaches Association Division II Coaches’ Poll, as announced by the AFCA on Monday morning.

The Lions scored 34 points in the second quarter last week on the way to a 55-7 routing of Western New Mexico. A&M-Commerce is now 6-2 overall on the season with a 4-1 Lone Star Conference record.

Three Lion opponents for 2018 are in the top 25. Tarleton moved up to No. 8, MSU Texas is No. 10, and Colorado State-Pueblo is No. 13. This week’s Homecoming opponent, West Texas A&M, is also receiving votes

A&M-Commerce has been ranked in 48 consecutive AFCA polls, dating back to the 2015 preseason poll. It is A&M-Commerce’s 54th all-time appearance in the AFCA poll since its inception in 2000.

In the polls recognized by Division II as the top rating system, the Lions have been known as a nationally ranked team 103 times since joining Division II in 1981.

The Lions return to Commerce this week for the annual Homecoming game, hosting West Texas A&M at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are available by visiting WeAreLionsTix.com, calling (903) 468-8756, or visiting the Lion Sales & Service Box Office in the Field House.

2018 American Football Coaches Association Division II Coaches’ Poll
October 22, 2018

Rank	School (1st votes)	Rec.	Pts.	Prev.
1.	Minnesota St. (30)	8-0	821	1
2.	Ferris St. (Mich.) (3)	8-0	768	2
3.	West Georgia	8-0	755	3
4.	Ouachita Baptist (Ark.)	8-0	678	4
5.	Minnesota-Duluth	8-0	670	5
6.	Colorado School of Mines	8-0	646	6
7.	Valdosta St. (Ga.)	8-0	630	7
8.	Tarleton	7-0	582	9
9.	Grand Valley St. (Mich.)	7-1	541	8
10.	MSU Texas	6-1	524	10
11.	Northwest Missouri St.	7-1	513	11
12.	West Chester (Pa.)	7-0	459	12
13.	Colorado St.-Pueblo	7-1	414	13
14.	Notre Dame (Ohio)	8-0	406	14
15.	Kutztown (Pa.)	7-0	342	15
16.	Indianapolis (Ind.)	6-1	338	16
17.	Tiffin (Ohio)	8-0	303	17
18.	A&M-COMMERCE	6-2	241	18
19.	LIU-Post (N.Y.)	7-0	237	20
20.	Central Washington	6-2	175	21
21.	Southern Arkansas	7-1	171	22
22.	Indiana (Pa.)	6-2	109	23
23.	Harding (Ark.)	6-2	95	24
24.	Lenoir-Rhyne (S.C.)	7-1	83	NR
25.	Hillsdale (Mich.)	7-1	47	NR

Dropped Out: West Florida (19), Ohio Dominican (25)
Others Receiving Votes: Slippery Rock (Pa.), 42; Pittsburg St. (Kan.), 37; Fort Hays St. (Kan.), 30; West Texas A&M, 15; Morehouse (Ga.), 13; Florida Tech, 9; New Haven (Conn.), 7; Azusa Pacific (Calif.), 5; Ohio Dominican, 4; West Florida, 4; Fairmont St. (W.Va.), 3; Missouri S&T, 3; Bowie St. (Md.), 2; Davenport (Mich.), 2; Virginia Union, 1.

 

 

McDonough second-half header goal gives Lions 1-nil win over ENMU.

COMMERCE– The Texas A&M University-Commerce soccer team defeated Eastern New Mexico 1-0 on Sunday at Memorial Stadium. The Lions scored the goal in the 77th minute to win the match.

The win brings the Lions to 8-6-0 on the season and 5-5-0 in the Lone Star Conference. The Greyhounds falls to 6-7-2 and 4-5-1 in conference play.

The Lions return to action on Wednesday for a home match against Texas Women’s. The game is scheduled for 7:00 pm at the Lion Soccer Field. Stay tuned to LionAthletics.com and the Lion Soccer Twitter page for potential venue changes.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

– Jocelyn McDonough (McKinney – Boyd) scored her first collegiate goal to lift the Lions to the victory. She scored on a header in the 77th minute.
– The goal was assisted by Leslie Campuzano (Garland – Lakeview Centennial), who guided a well-placed corner kick from the left side.
– Cora Welch (Plano), Kara Blasingame (Oswego, Ill.) and Sabrina Munguia (Baytown – Sterling) also had shots on goal. Lindsey McDonald (Joshua) had a chance go off the crossbar.
– Caitlin Duty (Crandall) saved all four ENMU shots on goal. It is her fourth shutout of the season.
– Both teams had four shots on goal. The Greyhounds outshot the Lions 18-14.

HOW IT HAPPENED
ENMU had three early shots, but the Lion defense held all three shots off the goal, including blocking two shots. The Lions had a golden opportunity in the 23rd minute as a cross was placed well over the middle. Michelle Kotlik got her head on the ball, but the ball just missed the goal by inches.

Neither team had a shot on goal until the very end of the first half. Welch had a shot saved in the 40th minute, and Duty saved a shot in the 44th minute. The teams went into halftime tied at zero.

Duty made an early save in the second half as ENMU applied pressure. The Lions then responded as McDonald had a shot go off the crossbar in the 53rd minute, just barely missing the mark. Blasingame then had a shot saved in the 56th minute.

The Lions had multiple shots but could not find their way on goal in the middle portion of the second half. The Lions defense then held off a bevy of shots from the Greyhounds, not allowing a single one to go on goal.

The Lions got on the board in the 77th minute. After drawing a corner kick, Campuzano directed the ball toward the goal. Using all her vertical leap, McDonough skied for the ball and got her forehead square on the ball, heading it into the net. The Lions took a 1-0 lead.

Duty made a save in the 80th minute, and Munguia had a good chance that as preserved in the 83rd minute. Drama ensued in the final minute as ENMU was awarded a free kick from 40 yards out with eight seconds to play. The shot was fired at the goal, but Duty was there to make the save and preserve the win.

 

 

Returns spark No. 18 Lions’ return to win column with a 55-7 victory at Western N.M.

SILVER CITY, N.M. – Big special teams and defensive plays proved to be the catalyst for the No. 18 Texas A&M University-Commerce football team in a 55-7 victory over Western New Mexico University at Ben Altamirano Field on Saturday afternoon.

With the win, the Lions move to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in the Lone Star Conference, while Western New Mexico falls to 0-7 overall and 0-5 in league play.

The Lions return to Commerce next week for the annual Homecoming game, hosting West Texas A&M at 4:00 pm on October 27. Tickets are available by visiting WeAreLionsTix.com, calling (903) 468-8756, or visiting the Lion Sales & Service Box Office in the Field House.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

– The Lions scored 34 points in the second quarter to set a school record for points in a quarter. The surge broke the previous record of 32 points, which was established by the Lions in the second quarter at Angelo State in 1991.
– Offensively, the Lions outgained WNMU 350-263. The Lions scored three non-offensive touchdowns in the game.
– Danny Huckaby (Mexia) had a 64-yard interception return for a touchdown, followed by a 51-yard interception return for a score by Kader Kohou (Euless – Trinity). Michael Onuoha (Edmond, Okla.) also had a long interception return to set up the Lions’ first score.
– Reggie Kincade (Everman) returned a kickoff for a 70-yard touchdown, marking his second consecutive game with a kickoff return for a score.
– Kane Wilson (New Orleans, La.) completed 12-of-21 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns.
– Marquis Wimberly (Duarte, Calif.) was on the receiving end of both goals, from 10 yards and 39 yards out. He finished the day with six catches for 97 yards.
– Nate Davis (San Antonio – Madison) had 14 carries for 57 yards and a 10-yard touchdown. Ovie Urevbu (Plano – Legacy Christian) had five carries for 44 yards and touchdowns of 8 and 28 yards.
– Neema Behbahani (Plano) had a team-high nine tackles with a sack and two tackles for loss. The Lions tackled the Mustangs behind the line a total of 12 times.
– Kristov Martinez (Edinburg) added seven PAT points to run his career total to 394 points.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Neither side was able to change the scoreboard in the first quarter, as long drives bogged down near midfield. Onuoha altered the tone of the game on the first play of the second quarter, intercepting a Mustang screen pass on fourth down and returning it 48 yards to the WNMU 12-yard line. Three plays later, Wilson completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to Wimberly for the first points of the contest.

After the teams traded punts, Huckaby intercepted a pass on the sideline and sprinted for a 64-yard score with 7:40 left in half. The lead went to 21-0 when Kohou caught WNMU’s next pass attempt and weaved 51 yards for the score with 6:06 left in half.

A&M-Commerce perfectly executed an onside kick, then drove 47 yards in six plays for a score, making it 27-0 on Urevbu’s 8-yard plunge.

Western scored its only points of the game on a five play drive assisted by a pair of pass interference calls. Quarterback Gabriel Tomaszewski carried it in from two yards out to but the lead to 27-7 with 45 seconds left.

The Mustangs tried to kick off short to avoid the dangerous Kincade, but the senior rushed up to take the return 70 yards to the house untouched, giving the Lions a 34-7 lead at the halftime intermission.

Chris Smith (Mansfield – Legacy) blocked a punt on the opening drive of the second half. Two offensive drives later, the Lions scored on a beautiful 39-yard completion from Wilson to Wimberly, making it 41-7.

After WNMU’s punt on the ensuing drive went only 14 yards to the Mustangs’ 28, Urevbu rushed in around the left end on the next play, pushing the lead to 48-7 with 3:44 left in the third quarter.

The freshman Davis punched in the touchdown on the third play of the fourth quarter, putting a capper on an emphatic road victory.

 

 

Late goal sinks Lions’ chances in 2-1 loss to No. 14 West Texas A&M.

ROCKWALL– The Texas A&M University-Commerce soccer team fell 2-1 to No. 14 West Texas A&M on Friday night. The Lions scored an equalizing goal early in the second half but could not hold off the Lady Buffs late.

The loss brings the Lions to 7-6-0 on the season and 4-5-0 in the Lone Star Conference. WT improves to 13-1-1 and 8-0-1 in conference play.

The Lions return to the field on Sunday for a match against Eastern New Mexico. The game will be played at Noon at Memorial Stadium in Commerce.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

– Jeorgia Carr scored the first goal of her collegiate career. She scored in the 56th minute on a header.
– Lindsey McDonald assisted on the Carr goal.
– Caitlin Duty made six saves in the contest.
– Carr had two shots on goal. Leslie Campuzano, Cora Welch, and Myca Crum also had shots on goal.
– WT outshot the Lions 22-9 in the match.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Duty had an early save and Carr had a shot on goal early in the match as both teams fought for possession. Caitlin made saves in the 13th and 16th minutes to keep the game scoreless.

The Lady Buffs controlled the ball for a few consecutive minutes, but the Lion defense held off shots, forcing them outside of the net. Three more shots would go high before the Lions were called for a penalty inside the box, resulting in a WT penalty kick. The kick found the net and the Lady Buffs took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Welch had a shot on goal saved in the 49th minute as the Lions looked to even up the score. Campuzano then had a shot saved in the 52nd minute.

The Lions tied the game in the 56th minute. After A&M-Commerce was awarded a throw-in, McDonald threw the ball high and far. Carr got underneath and, not facing the goal, directed the ball with the back of her head into the left side of the net. The Lions tied the game at one-all.

Saves came from both goalies in the next minute, and Duty made another save in the 68th minute to keep the game tied. WT would retake the lead, however, stealing a pass and beating a defender on a breakaway for a wide open shot at the net. Duty made one final save, but the Lions could not find another opportunity for a chance.

 

 

No. 22 Lions earn four-set LSC win at A&M-Kingsville

KINGSVILLE – The No. 22 Texas A&M-Commerce volleyball team took down Lone Star Conference rival Texas A&M University-Kingsville in four sets in the Steinke Center on Friday night. Set scores were 25-21, 24-26, 25-20, and

The Lions move to 20-5 overall and 12-3 in the LSC, while the Javelinas are now 14-11 overall and 6-8 in the league.

A&M-Commerce is next in action on Tuesday, October 23, at Cameron before hosting Western New Mexico and UT Permian Basin for the final two home matches of the season on Homecoming weekend.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

– The Lions hit .213 in the match and benefitted from nine service aces.
– Celeste Vela (Guadalajara, Mexico) had another banner evening, hitting .241 with 13 kills, 24 assists, eight digs, and two blocks.
– Shelley Chapron (Houston – St. Pius X) hit .478 with 12 kills.
– Jaryn Wacker (Austin – Vista Ridge) had 11 kills and three blocks.
– Rylie Fuentes (Robinson) passed out 24 assists, and Savannah Rutledge (The Woodlands – College Park) had a team-high 17 digs. Daniela Santos (Caracas, Venezuela) had 14 digs.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Lions had the first extended rally of the night after a 9-9 tie in the opening set. A&M-Commerce scored five consecutive points with the Javelinas making multiple errors.

The Wacker twins combined for a block to cap the run. A&M-Kingsville managed to return the favor and actually took the lead at 18-17 on a block. The Lions scored the next four points, with a Santos service ace putting the guests up 21-18. The Lions held only a one-point lead at 22-21, then closed out the set with a Jaslyn Wacker kill, a Vela ace, and a Chapron kill.

A&M-Kingsville took an early lead in the second set, as the Lions uncharacteristically had four consecutive attack errors to fall behind 6-3. The Lions chipped away and tied the game back up at 9-all before the Javelinas went back up by three. A&M-Commerce scored five consecutive points with Rutledge notching a service ace to make it a 16-14 Lion lead. The two sides battled back and forth from there, and the Lions were in a commanding position at 24-21 before the Javelinas squeaked out the next five straight points to win the set 26-24 and tie the match at a set apiece.

The set loss jolted the Lions, who emerged in the third set with a fury, scoring seven of the first eight points in the game. Rutledge had two aces in the early flurry of activity. As exhibited earlier in the night, the Javelinas would not roll over, narrowing the deficit to two points at 17-15. The Lions would score five of the next six points to go up 23-17, then held on for the 25-20 game win.

The Javelinas had an 11-7 lead in the fourth set when the Lions roared on Santos’ serve, scoring 11 consecutive points to flip the game to an 18-11 advantage and force A&M-Kingsville to use both of its timeouts. That momentum would carry over into the rest of the set, as the Lions closed out another LSC road victory on a Bina Njikam kill.

Josh Manck
Associate Athletics Director for Marketing and Communications | Texas A&M University-Commerce
Office: 903.886.5131
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3011 | Commerce, TX 75429

 

Marcus Jensen
Assistant Director of Athletic Communications | Texas A&M University-Commerce
Office: 903.468.3027