LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International volleyball (5-6, 4-5 LSC) dropped the first of a two-match series in a 3-0 decision (20-25, 22-25, 26-28) to No. 10 Texas A&M-Kingsville (8-0, 8-0 LSC) on Tuesday.

Junior Mackenzie Catalina led the Dustdevils with a double-double of 15 kills and 15 digs with one block. Freshman Ariana Guerra posted a season-high 10 kills to go with six digs. Freshman McKenna Flagler logged 22 assists with five digs, three kills and a service ace. On the defensive end, junior Lorena Martin Perez contributed 11 digs with four kills and a block.

The Dustdevils started hot with a 4-1 run to start the opening set. However, the  Javelinas responded with a 4-0 run of their own to take the lead 5-4. TAMIU retook the advantage 6-5 with two straight points, however things grew close for the next few rallies as both teams traded points. TAMUK went back up 13-9 with a 5-1 run. Another 5-1 run later in the frame expanded their margin to 20-14. The Dustdevils were able to cut the deficit to 23-20, but two quick points gave the Javelinas the set 25-20.

TAMUK took an early 5-3 lead to open the second set. A string of point runs put them up 17-12. TAMIU fought back as they put together multiple runs of their own to get within one point at 23-22. Once again though, two quick kills gave the Javelinas the 25-22 decision.

The third set was close early on with three ties and two lead changes. The Dustdevils began to pull away at 10-7 thanks to a 6-1 run. Every time the Javelinas would attempt to get close, the TAMIU answered and push their lead out further. However, with the Dustdevils up 21-16, TAMUK began a substantial comeback. An 8-2 run put them back up 24-23. The two sides battled back and forth over the next several points. Unfortunately, the Javelinas closed out the match with three-straight points for the 28-26 victory.

The Dustdevils will need a short memory as they face the Javelinas again tomorrow in the series finale. First serve is set for 6 p.m.