WICHITA FALLS, Texas – Texas A&M International University volleyball concluded its road matchup against Midwestern State on Saturday afternoon, falling in straight sets (15-25, 18-25, 20-25) at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.
With the loss, the Dustdevils move to 7-15 overall and 1-10 in Lone Star Conference play, while the Mustangs improve to 13-9 overall and 8-3 in conference action.
TAMIU was led offensively by Ece Özdemir, who recorded a team-high seven kills while adding 12 digs. Sierra Sanchez provided an efficient performance off the bench, finishing with six kills on nine attempts and a team-best .444 hitting percentage.
The Dustdevils struggled to establish their offense in the opening set, recording four kills against nine attack errors for a -.172 hitting percentage. Midwestern State capitalized on the early struggles, collecting 10 kills to secure a 25-15 victory.
TAMIU showed improvement in the second set, increasing its offensive production to 11 kills while hitting .108. Despite the improved efficiency, the Mustangs maintained control behind 12 kills and a .182 hitting percentage, taking the set 25-18 to build a 2-0 advantage.
The Dustdevils delivered their strongest offensive performance in the third set, recording a match-high 12 kills and hitting .130. TAMIU battled to remain competitive, but Midwestern State answered with its most efficient set of the afternoon, registering 15 kills on a .282 hitting percentage to close out the match with a 25-20 victory.
Alongside Özdemir and Sanchez, Mia Molina contributed four kills and four digs, while Jaylah Lumar and Fernanda Izar each recorded three kills. Giulia Gainelli directed the offense with 11 assists, followed closely by Carolina Salvador De Bona with 10 assists.
Defensively, Özdemir and Mia Perez shared the team lead with 12 digs apiece. Andrea Nunez and Lumar each contributed two block assists.
As a team, TAMIU finished with 27 kills, 26 assists, 47 digs and three total blocks while hitting .045. Midwestern State recorded 37 kills, 58 digs and a .189 hitting percentage.
The Dustdevils will look to regroup as they continue their Lone Star Conference schedule.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT:
Ece Özdemir led the Dustdevils offensively and contributed a strong defensive effort against Midwestern State, recording a team-high seven kills while tying for the team lead with 12 digs. The performance marked a team-best seven points as she continued to provide production on both sides of the court.
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.
