DENTON, Texas – The middle blocking duo of junior
Lauren Walker and freshman
Lorin McNeil each recorded a team-high seven kills and combined for 15.5 points during Wednesday night's 3-0 loss at North Texas.
The Mean Green have won their last seven matches in improving to 9-1 on the season.
The Wildcats, meanwhile, saw their three-match road-winning streak snapped at three as they finished non-conference play at 4-8.
ACU lost by scores of 25-10, 25-17 and 25-14, and while the middles hit for good percentages (Walker, .357 and McNeil, .235) the outsides struggled offensively against a North Texas side that dug out 36 attacks and blocked four shots.
"We picked up our service pressure after the first set – we got stronger with our server each set – and forced them to be out of system more," said Mooney, "but when the outsides have an off match it's tough to win or even be competitive with any team."
ACU hit .108 for the match, while North Texas came away with a .482 attack percentage and 11 service aces. Valerie Valerian had the most kills with nine (.421), Amanda Chamberlain hit .600 with seven kills, and four additional Mean Green teammates each registered six kills.
The Wildcats are off from competition this weekend but will hold practices Friday, Saturday and Monday, during which the team will begin preparing for Southland Conference play by focusing on itself, according to Mooney.
ACU's next match is slated for Saturday, Sept. 23 at noon vs. Sam Houston State, which kicks off a four-match conference homestand.
