ODESSA – The 20th ranked ACU volleyball team swept their way to their 20th win of the season giving them three consecutive 20-win seasons. The Wildcats took a straight set victory to wrap up non-conference play moving to 20-3 while UTPB fell to 9-17 on the season.
ACU and the Falcons traded points in the first set when a kill by
Neely Borger gave the Wildcats a lead they would never lose. A blocking error would pull UTPB 23-24 before a kill from
Jennie Hutt would give the Wildcats a 25-23 win to open the first set.
The next two sets would be much more one-sided as ACU raced to 22-13 lead with nine straight points from
Kelsie Edwards. Edwards would finish the match with 23 digs her second highest total of the season and highest for a three set match. The Wildcat libero also only had one error on the evening solidifying the ACU defense.
In the final set the Wildcats would trade points taking an 11-7 lead before going on a 14-6 run closing out the win.
Junior
Jennie Hutt led ACU offensively with 12 kills. Hutt also hit .321 only committing three errors on 28 attempts. IJ Moronou ran the Wildcat offense finishing with 37 assists and eight digs narrowly missing her 12th double-double of the season.
Defensively the Wildcats were led by Edwards' 23 digs and Borger's 5 blocks.
Shawna Hines added three blocks while hitting .500 in the win.
ACU was solid as they hit .311 in the opening set followed by a .205 hitting percentage in the second before doubling it in the third. The Wildcats held the Falcon offense at bay as they finished the match with a negative hitting percentage in the final two sets including a -.214 in the third.
The Wildcats will return to action on Thursday for their annual “Dig Pink” match with East Central. Colleges and high schools across the country support Breast Cancer Awareness month by joining with the Side-Out Foundation to raise money for breast cancer through the sport of volleyball. Fans are encouraged to wear pink and bring a dollar to donate at Moody Coliseum for the cause. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
