CANYON, Texas – The #13 Lady Buffs of West Texas A&M ran their win streak to eight matches on Friday night as they registered a Lone Star Conference sweep of the UT Tyler Patriots (25-20, 25-18, 25-15) at the WTAMU Fieldhouse "The Box" in Canyon.
 
West Texas A&M started the first set with a slow start, falling behind 5-0, with UT Tyler capitalizing on early attack errors. However, the Lady Buffs responded with a series of effective plays, including a kill by Emma Becker and a service ace by Hannah Pemberton, allowing them to close the gap to 5-2.
 
Momentum shifted in favor of the Lady Buffs midway through the set, as they mounted a 6-1 run featuring key plays by Taytum Stow and Bromli Watson, leveling the score at 12-12. The team continued to press forward with decisive kills from Currie Marusak and Becker, establishing a narrow lead.
 
As the set progressed, West Texas A&M maintained their edge through strategic plays and capitalizing on opponent errors. A late service ace by Watson extended their advantage, and Marusak sealed the set with a final kill, closing with a 25-20 victory.
 
In the second set, the Lady Buffs seized early momentum with a robust start, as Parker Gladhill and Kaycee Cavanaugh combined for a block, followed by a kill from Cavanaugh. Becker and Watson further extended the lead, contributing key kills to keep UT Tyler on the back foot. As the set progressed, Stow added to the tally with a service ace and multiple kills, maintaining WT's advantage.
 
Despite some resistance from UT Tyler, who narrowed the gap with a few successful plays, the Lady Buffs held firm. Marusak and Gladhill's block errors by the opposition helped extend the home team's lead. The set concluded with WT firmly in control, closing out with a service ace, securing the set at 25-18.
 
WT began the third set with a quick 3-0 lead, including a service ace from Pemberton and a block by Cavanaugh. The home team's momentum continued with a series of kills from Cavanaugh and Stow, extending the advantage to 6-3.
 
The Lady Buffs maintained control with Watson assisting on multiple kills, including crucial points by Marusak and Becker, pushing the score to 16-11. A decisive sequence followed, featuring a service ace by Watson and additional attack errors from UT Tyler, allowing WT to widen the gap to 20-12. The Lady Buffs closed the set strong, with Becker adding key kills and forcing UT Tyler into several attack errors. The set concluded with a 25-15 score, securing the set for the Buffs and emphasizing their strong finish.
 
Stow led the offensive charge with 11 kills on 16 swings, achieving a .625 hitting percentage and adding one ace. Watson facilitated the attack with 32 assists and recorded 12 digs to bolster the defense. Pemberton contributed four service aces and collected 15 digs, enhancing the team's defensive efforts. Becker added 10 kills while securing eight digs and one block solo.
 
Autumn Perry demonstrated strong defensive skills for UT Tyler with 16 digs across three games, coupled with an impressive offensive contribution of 10 kills on a .348 hitting percentage, earning her a total of 11 points. Saige Rivera was pivotal in setting, amassing 14 assists, while also adding a service ace and three digs in her appearances. Kailey Manes contributed consistently with six kills and two total blocks, accumulating 7.5 points for her team. Anna Arceneaux fortified the back row with 12 digs, enhancing the team's defensive capabilities.
 
WT continues LSC play on Saturday afternoon as the welcome the Comets of UT Dallas to The Box with first serve set for 2:00 p.m.