TYLER, Texas – Texas A&M International volleyball overcame a 2-1 deficit on the road to defeat UT Tyler 3-2, staying undefeated in Lone Star Conference play.

Set one belonged to the Patriots (11-7, 4-3 LSC), taking the set 25-19. TAMIU jumped ahead 7-2 and eventually UT Tyler tied the set 11-11. Sitting 20-19 in favor of the Patriots, they closed the set on a 5-0.

The Dustdevils (14-4, 5-0 LSC) in set two would trail just once at 6-5, and continued to pull away from there for a 25-20 victory.

UT Tyler regained the match lead with a 25-20 victory of its own in set three. TAMIU would be tied early, 4-4, but the Patriots would create separation and less the rest of the way.

With the game on the line, the Dustdevils battled into extra points, winning 26-24 in set four. 

Late in the set, UT Tyler led 17-13, 22-18 and 24-21. With match point staring at TAMIU, it pulled off a 5-0 to send the game to a deciding fifth set. 

It the final set, it was even up until a 9-9 score, then the Dustdevils closed the match on a 6-2 run to seal the victory. 

Graduate student Mackenzie Catalina was an all-around force with a team high 25 kills to go alongside 18 digs, four service aces and two block assists.

Sophomore Giulia Hortelan earned yet another double-double with 17 kills and defensively had 15 digs, three solo blocks and an assisted block. 

Sophomore libero Lixai Perez reeled in a match high 31 digs, while freshman setter Emma Lade put up her fifth 50+ assist game with 53 to go alongside 15 digs.

TAMIU concludes the road trip on Saturday, Oct. 8 in Dallas, Texas against DBU. Opening serve is scheduled for 1 p.m.