LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas A&M International University volleyball fell to Lubbock Christian University in straight sets Friday evening at the Rip Griffin Center, as the Lady Chaps secured a 3-0 victory (25-22, 25-12, 25-14) in Lone Star Conference action.
With the loss, the Dustdevils moved to 7-14 overall and 1-9 in conference play, while Lubbock Christian improved to 9-11 overall and 5-5 in the LSC.
TAMIU was led offensively by Ece Özdemir, who finished with a match-high-tying 10 kills on 27 attempts, hitting .259. Özdemir also contributed eight digs and two service aces, finishing with a team-high 12 points.
Andrea Nunez added six kills, while Fernanda Izar delivered an efficient performance with four kills on eight attempts and no errors for a team-best .500 hitting percentage. Izar also contributed three block assists and a service ace.
The Dustdevils battled closely in the opening set, matching Lubbock Christian's 11 kills and keeping the contest competitive throughout. The first frame featured five ties and two lead changes, but the Lady Chaps ultimately pulled away to claim a 25-22 victory.
In the second set, TAMIU struggled to establish its offensive rhythm, recording 10 kills against 11 attacking errors for a -.022 hitting percentage. Lubbock Christian capitalized on the Dustdevils' difficulties, hitting .303 in the frame to secure a 25-12 win and take a two-set advantage.
Despite trailing in the match, the Dustdevils showed offensive improvement in the third set, posting their highest hitting percentage of the evening at .269. TAMIU recorded nine kills with just two attacking errors on 26 attempts. However, Lubbock Christian countered with its strongest offensive performance of the match, hitting .414 with 15 kills to close out the contest, 25-14.
Defensively, TAMIU totaled 46 digs, led by Özdemir's eight. Mia Perez and Sierra Sanchez each contributed seven digs, while Caleigh Garcia added five.
In the setting department, Giulia Gainelli paced the Dustdevils with 15 assists, followed by Deanna Montgomery with nine. TAMIU also registered five service aces, including two from Özdemir.
Lubbock Christian was led by Camdyn Sears, who recorded 11 kills on a .526 hitting percentage while adding 15 digs and 13 assists. Shaylee Stevens contributed nine kills without an attacking error, hitting .818.
As a team, the Dustdevils finished with 30 kills and a .093 hitting percentage, while Lubbock Christian recorded 37 kills and hit .279.
TAMIU will look to regroup as it continues its Lone Star Conference schedule.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT:
Ece Özdemir led the Dustdevils offensively with 10 kills on 27 attempts, posting a .259 hitting percentage. She also contributed eight digs and two service aces, finishing with a team-high 12 points in the three-set contest.
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.
