LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International University volleyball battled back twice from a one-set deficit to defeat Texas Woman's University in a five-set thriller (22-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-18, 15-11) Tuesday evening at the TAMIU Kinesiology and Convocation Building.
The victory improved the Dustdevils to 8-15 overall and 2-10 in Lone Star Conference play, while the Pioneers fell to 7-14 overall and 4-7 in conference action.
TAMIU was led offensively by Mia Molina, who finished with a match-high 18 kills, seven digs, one service ace and two block assists. Andrea Nunez followed with 14 kills on a .286 hitting percentage, adding five total blocks, including one solo block.
Texas Woman's claimed the opening set, 25-22, as the Dustdevils struggled to find their offensive rhythm, recording eight kills against 10 attacking errors for a -.063 hitting percentage.
TAMIU responded in the second set with a stronger offensive performance, registering 16 kills and a .200 hitting percentage to secure a 25-19 victory and even the match at one set apiece.
The Pioneers regained the advantage in the third set, edging the Dustdevils 25-23 in a tightly contested frame. Despite the setback, TAMIU remained resilient and delivered its strongest offensive stretch of the evening when it mattered most.
Facing a 2-1 deficit, the Dustdevils took control of the fourth set, recording 13 kills with just two attacking errors for a .282 hitting percentage. TAMIU's efficient offensive execution helped secure a 25-18 victory and force a decisive fifth set.
With the match on the line, TAMIU saved its best hitting performance for last. The Dustdevils recorded seven kills with only one attacking error on 18 attempts, producing a match-best .333 hitting percentage in the final frame. TAMIU closed out the fifth set 15-11 to complete the comeback and secure the conference victory.
Beyond Molina and Nunez, Jaylah Lumar contributed seven kills and five block assists, while Ece Özdemir added six kills, 14 digs, three service aces and three block assists.
Fernanda Izar provided a strong presence at the net, finishing with eight block assists to go along with five kills on a .286 hitting percentage.
Defensively, Brianna Espinoza led the Dustdevils with 16 digs and two service aces, while Mia Perez added 11 digs and two aces. Giulia Gainelli and Deanna Montgomery helped direct the offense with 19 assists apiece.
As a team, TAMIU finished with 54 kills, 76 digs, eight service aces and 14 total team blocks, holding Texas Woman's to a .087 hitting percentage while posting a .155 clip of its own.
The Pioneers were led by Trinity Blackwood, who recorded 14 kills, while Teagan Hill contributed 13 kills on a .308 hitting percentage.
The victory marked a determined comeback for the Dustdevils, who overcame two separate set deficits and finished the match with consecutive set victories to earn their second Lone Star Conference win of the season.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT:
Mia Molina powered the Dustdevils' offense in their five-set comeback victory over Texas Woman's, recording a match-high 18 kills and 20 points. She also contributed seven digs, one service ace and two block assists, helping TAMIU secure its second Lone Star Conference victory of the season.
Molina is a senior outside hitter for Texas A&M International University and is currently pursuing a degree in Kinesiology. A native of Laredo, TX, Mia is the daughter of Rolando and Maricela Molina and was born on April 12, 2005.
