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LAREDO, Texas – The Heartland Conference’s first-place team visited Texas A&M International on Saturday and received a much stiffer challenge than they ever expected from the 2-15 (1-8 Heartland) Dustdevils. Although Arkansas-Fort Smith (12-6, 9-0 Heartland) remained unblemished in conference play, the 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-18) victory was anything but a shoo-in.
The Dustdevils fell behind quickly in each of the three sets, but never disappeared completely. After tripping into a seven-point deficit twice in the first game, the Dustdevils battle back to within four points both times before eventually dropping it 25-17. The Lions were slowed by the Dustdevils’ trio of big hitters – Toriana Goods, Alex Ciszek and Samantha Gonzalez – whenever they attempted to make a run.
Goods led TAMIU with 11 kills and 11.5 points while racking up three digs and a block as well. Ciszek swung a .318 hitting percentage for nine kills and nine points; Gonzalez – a freshman out of Alexander High in Laredo – put on her best performance against the most talented competition, recording carreer-highs with seven points and six kills.
Fellow former Lady Bulldog, Lizzie Prieto, continued laying claim to assists at a torrid pace. She contributed 28 of the Dustdevils’ 30 total assists to raise her season total to 437 to lead all of the Heartland Conference. Her 8.25 assists-per-set average stands in second place through 53 games.
Desiree Ortiz shined in her libero jersey with more than half of the Dustdevils’ digs falling onto her arms. Ortiz shoveled 18 of the team’s 35 total digs and increased her season total to 273 for a conference fifth-best 5.15 average.
The Dustdevils completed a pair of score-tying plays – one in the first game and one in the last – but they only secured one lead in the match, coming in the final set.
The Dustdevils will continue raising breast cancer awareness with a pair of conference matches at home, starting with Lubbock Christian on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin will visit on Oct. 19 at noon.
Dustdevil supporters that wear pink or contribute a donation will be eligible to win official TAMIU prizes and receive a buy one, get one free coupon for the concession stand. All donations will benefit Mercy Ministries’ cancer center in Laredo.
