September 20th, 2010
Bobcats look to conference after 1-2 finish at Arizona

Texas State setter Shelbi Irvin, right, goes up against Arizona at the Arizona Invitational. Texas State sports information photo.

STAFF REPORT

The Texas State volleyball team now looks to the start of the conference season later this week after a 1-2 performance at the Arizona Invitational in Tucson, AZ.

The Bobcats are 7-7 overall after finishing the tournament Saturday with a three-game loss to Pepperdine. Earlier in the tournament, the Bobcats lost to Arizona in three games and defeated New Mexico State in three games.

Texas State setters Shelbi Irvin and Caleigh McCorquodale both were both named to the Arizona Invitational all-tournament team. The duo shared setting duties throughout the weekend, combining for 71 assists and 34 assists during the three-match tournament.

“I thought our setters did a really fine job all weekend long,” said Texas State coach Karen Chisum. “They really make it hard for us not to run a 6-2 (offense).”

Irvin averaged 4.56 assists per set during the tournament as she totaled 41 assists. She also had 13 digs and led the team with five aces at the service line.

McCorquodale, who had her third double-double of the season Saturday with 14 assists and 15 digs, ended the tournament with 30 assists (3.33 assists per set), 21 digs and two aces.

The Bobcats will begin the Southland Conference season Friday at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (7 p.m.).

Opening the Arizona Invitational last Friday against Arizona, the Bobcats hung tough in the first game before losing, 26-24. Arizona won the next two games by scores of 25-16 and 25-13.

The Bobcats followed by prevailing in a tight match against New Mexico State. Texas State won the first two games by scores of 26-24 before winning the third game, 25-20. The Bobcats dropped the final match to Pepperdine by scores of 25-16, 25-23 and 25-19.