October 28th, 2008
Bobcat volleyball women down UTA 3-0 and "Dig for the Cure"

The Texas State volleyball team hosted the UT Arlington Mavericks at Strahan Coliseum Tuesday night for the annual Dig for the Cure match.  The night featured a silent auction, a discounted $2 ticket price for fans wearing pink, a “Pretty in Pink” fan competition, pink carnations to breast cancer survivors, and a special message from survivor and Health Information Management chair, Sue Biederman.  The teams and fans (1,082) alike came together for this great cause which benefited the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

In the first game, Coach Karen Chisum‘s ‘Cats wasted no time in setting the stage for the straight sets victory.  Texas State was up 6-0 before UT Arlington put the brakes on and began to put up a fight.  The Mavericks stormed back and matched the Bobcats point for point bringing the score to 18-12.  Once momentum shifted back to the Texas State women, the set was all over, 25-14.  In that opener, Emily Jones Wilkes tallied 4 kills and 8 total attacks, while Amber Calhoun, Jessica Weynand, and Lawrencia Brown each notched 3 kills.

In the second set, the margin was even better.  The Bobcats walked away with a 25-10 victory on a balanced attack that saw Jessica Weynand and Melinda Cave earn 3 kills each, with Amy Weigle and Lawrencia Brown knocking down two apiece.  Weynand said it best with her post-match comment, “We took care of business.”  In reference to game two, Lawrencia Brown added, “It was fun coming out here – whuppin’ on people…”

After the intermission, which included some moving moments, including the presentation of the pink carnations and words from Sue Biederman, things began a little different for the Bobcats.

UT Arlington scored first and, at 1-0, had their first lead of the entire night.  It was extended to a 4-1 Mavericks advantage until Texas State caught fire.  The team made up the deficit and took their first lead with the ‘Cats in front 5-4.  This surge not only extinguished any hopes of a comeback for UT Arlington, but continued as the Bobcats finished with a final game victory 25-12.

Head Coach, Karen Chisum commented about the match, “We did a very good job.  We were good tonight, that’s all there is to it.  We never let UTA even get into the match.”

This win marked the sixth straight loss for the conference leading Bobcats that will face Stephen F. Austin Thursday at Strahan.

by CHRIS DOELLE

TEAM STATISTICS

UT Arlington
Game   K     E    TA   Pct.   Sideout   Pct.
—————————————
1        8    2    29   .207     11-27      40%
2        5    9    25   .160      8-24       33%
3        6    5    27   .037      9-25       36%

Texas State
Game   K     E    TA   Pct.   Sideout   Pct.
—————————————
1       18    3    39   .385     7-14       50%
2       12    1    24   .458     9-11       81%
3       17    4    33   .394     9-12       75%

Photos by Colter Ray