LAREDO, Texas – Sister schools squared off on Tuesday at the Texas A&M International Kinesiology and Convocation Building when Texas A&M-Kingsville visited TAMIU. The visiting Javelinas stole the non-conference victory, 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-20), as the Dustdevils fell to 0-10 (0-4 Heartland Conference) on the season.
"Our team continues to work hard every single day," TAMIU coach Marlon Sano said. "There are certain areas of the game that we have done very well in since the very beginning, there are areas we have continued to get better at, and there's one area in particular that we are looking to shore up.
"We have to get better at attacking. That's the one area that, if we improve in it, we could become a solid ball club that's capable of beating anyone."
Dustdevils newcomer Tasmin Apple led the attack against TAMUK with six kills and a block for seven points. Sophomore Samantha Gonzalez killed off five points, Lizzie Prieto had four kills and two aces for six points, senior Sophia Quinones had four kills and a block, Miaje Hubbard had three kills and senior Alex Ciszek had three kills and an ace.
Freshman defensive specialist Alejandra Bustamante played her first career game as libero, digging a team-high 19 balls defensively while also recording one assist. Prieto led with 19 assists, and sat right behind Bustamante with 10 digs.
"I was impressed with (Bustamante)," Sano said. "We threw her into the libero position – a very difficult position to play – and she did very well. That's a position she's never played, not even in high school.
"And once again, (Prieto) continues to be such a good hard-working player. The (TAMUK) coaches came over after the game and complimented the way she played."
The Dustdevils and Javelinas went blow for blow, seeing the score tied 13 times and exchanging the lead seven times.
TAMIU returns to Heartland action on Thursday at 7 p.m. as Newman visits the TAMIU KCB on TAMIU Night. The Dustdevils Student Government Association will open the evening with a pre-game fiesta starting at 5:30 p.m. Free food, music, fun and games will be featured.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Adam Geigerman,
Sports Information Director and Promotions Specialist
956-326-3007
AdamS.Geigerman@TAMIU.edu
www.GoDustdevils.com
