LAKE CHARLES, La.— After opening conference play 2-0 at home, the Wildcats left on their first conference road trip of the season to face McNeese and Lamar. First up for ACU were the Cowgirls of McNeese, the Wildcats fell in straight sets. ACU struggled to find offensive consistency, while the Cowgirls put together a solid defensive effort.
Each set was a tough, back and forth battle but with every run the Wildcats went on the Cowgirls had an answer. ACU began the match with a strong blocking effort, totaling five in just the first set, but McNeese found ways to get around the block and earn points in big moments.
Kennedy Shelstead (.318) and
Marybeth Sandercox (.438) both had efficient offensive games for the Wildcats, but it wasn't enough down the stretch.
Mackenzie Harris and
Logan Browning both reached double-digit digs for ACU, totaling 17 and 14, respectively.
Scoring Summary
Set 1: 23-25
Set 2: 19-25
Set 3: 22-25
Mooney Said It
On the blocking early in the match: "At times, our blocking was in great rhythm and making some really good touches. Marybeth also had another good night offensively hitting .438."
On what they need to improve on from tonight's match: "Ultimately, we did not control the serve pass game tonight and with out that, it's very difficult to win matches."
On moving forward and focusing on Lamar: "Learning from tonight's match and resetting is the goal for the next two days. We need to have a focused practice and film session tomorrow at Lamar before heading into the match on Saturday. Lamar is a good team who has pushed some really great team this season."
News and Notes
- This was Sandercox's fourth-straight match hitting .429 or better.
- The Cowgirls proved why they are ranked at the top of the conference for aces, totaling seven to just one for ACU.
- Shelstead, Sandercox, and Lindsey Toney each had seven or more kills for the Wildcats.
- The Wildcats are 1-3 against McNeese when they play in Lake Charles.
- ACU outblocked McNeese 8-5.
Up Next
ACU continues their road trip on Saturday, Oct. 5, in Beaumont, Texas. The Wildcats will face Lamar at 1 p.m. Saturday looking to earn their third conference win.