LAREDO, Texas (October 6, 2016) - The Texas A&M International University Volleyball team hosted reigning Heartland Champion Arkansas Fort Smith on Thursday night. The Dustdevils were dealt a 0-3 loss in the match. TAMIU is now 1-14 overall (1-5 HC).

After falling 15-25 in the first set, TAMIU finished strong in the second set. The Dustdevils found themselves down 10-18 before battling back into the set. A five-point run would bring TAMIU within three before the Lions took the second set 25-21.

The third set featured another close matchup. The Dustdevils opened strong, leading 8-4 through the first portion of the third set. A six-point Lion run would put TAMIU behind 20-23. The Lions and Dustdevils would go back and forth for the final four points of the match with UAFS taking a 25-22 win.

Head Coach Susie Jangada commented after the game, "I am extremely proud of the girls tonight. The level of effort was amazing, they did a great job growing as a unit. We had a lot of people playing strong in their role, which helped the team as a whole.  I am very excited to see where this step will take us."

Ramey Gardner led the Dustdevils with eight kills and 17 digs in the match. Alejandra Bustamante recorded 18 digs. Tori Zamora picked up 17 assists and two aces. Megan Unrath was strong at the net, picking up two blocks.

The Dustdevils are back in action Saturday, October 8. TAMIU will continue Heartland Conference play, hosting Newman at the TAMIU KCB. The match is set to begin at 12pm CST.

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