LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International University volleyball showed resilience Saturday afternoon, rallying from a two-set deficit to force a decisive fifth set before falling to Oklahoma Christian, 3-2, at the TAMIU Kinesiology and Convocation Building.
The Dustdevils (7-13, 1-8 Lone Star Conference) dropped the opening two sets, 25-15 and 25-21, before responding with consecutive 25-21 and 25-22 victories. However, the Eagles (10-9, 4-4 LSC) held on for a 15-13 win in the fifth set to secure the conference victory.
TAMIU was led offensively by Ece Özdemir, who delivered a match-high 21 kills while hitting .296. Özdemir also contributed 10 digs, five total blocks and a service ace, finishing with a match-high 25 points.
Andrea Nuñez provided another strong offensive performance, recording 20 kills on 38 attempts with a .368 hitting percentage. Nuñez added three total blocks and finished with 22 points.
The opening set saw Oklahoma Christian establish control offensively, hitting .370 while limiting TAMIU to a .156 hitting percentage. The Eagles claimed the first set, 25-15, before maintaining their momentum in the second frame. Despite an improved offensive effort from the Dustdevils, Oklahoma Christian hit .361 to secure a 25-21 victory and take a 2-0 match lead.
Facing elimination, TAMIU responded in the third set with a more efficient offensive attack. The Dustdevils recorded 15 kills while hitting .261 and held the Eagles to a .151 hitting percentage. The improved defensive effort helped TAMIU capture the third set, 25-21, extending the match.
The Dustdevils carried that momentum into the fourth set, hitting .276 while limiting Oklahoma Christian to a .250 hitting percentage. TAMIU claimed the frame, 25-22, completing the comeback from two sets down and forcing a decisive fifth set.
In the final frame, both teams delivered efficient offensive performances. TAMIU recorded nine kills without an attack error on 22 attempts, producing a match-best .409 hitting percentage. Oklahoma Christian countered with 11 kills and a .370 hitting percentage, narrowly edging the Dustdevils, 15-13, to close out the match.
Beyond the performances of Özdemir and Nuñez, Caleigh Garcia contributed seven kills and seven digs, while Jaylah Lumar added six kills and three block assists.
Fernanda Izar provided a strong presence at the net, finishing with five kills, six total blocks and a service ace.
TAMIU's setting duo of Deanna Montgomery and Giulia Gainelli combined for 52 assists, with Montgomery recording a team-high 28 and Gainelli adding 24. Gainelli also contributed 12 digs.
Defensively, Izabela Tapia anchored the Dustdevils with a team-high 21 digs and three service aces. Brianna Espinoza added 13 digs, while Özdemir's 10 digs completed her double-double performance.
As a team, TAMIU finished with 61 kills, 59 assists, 79 digs, six service aces and 11 total team blocks while hitting .256. Oklahoma Christian recorded 71 kills, 83 digs and a .279 hitting percentage.
Despite the narrow defeat, the Dustdevils demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure, improving their offensive efficiency throughout the match and pushing the Eagles to five sets.
TAMIU will look to build on Saturday's performance as it continues Lone Star Conference competition.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT:
Ece Özdemir delivered an impressive all-around performance, recording a match-high 21 kills on a .296 hitting percentage in TAMIU's five-set battle against Oklahoma Christian. She added 10 digs to complete a double-double, along with five total blocks and one service ace. Özdemir finished with a match-high 25 points, leading the Dustdevils' comeback effort.
Özdemir is a senior outside hitter for Texas A&M International University and is currently pursuing a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies. A native of Antalya, Turkey, Ece is the daughter of Aydin and Derya Ece Özdemir and was born on April 17, 2003.
