CANYON, Texas – West Texas A&M senior
Taytum Stow became the third player in program history to reach 500 career blocks on Thursday night as the #10 Lady Buffs picked up a big non-conference victory over the UT Tyler Patriots (25-20, 25-21, 25-22) at the WTAMU Fieldhouse during LSC Crossover action.
West Texas A&M opened the first set with an assertive start, gaining early momentum through a combination of key kills and opponent errors.
Currie Marusak and
Kaycee Cavanaugh were instrumental in maintaining the team's lead, with Marusak delivering multiple kills, including pivotal points at 7-5 and 16-11, while Cavanaugh added crucial points at 5-1 and 20-16. Despite UT Tyler's attempts to close the gap, highlighted by Jackie Velzis's multiple kills, the Lady Buffs ultimately secured the set with a 25-20 victory, capped by Stow's decisive block to end the set.
The Lady Buffs claimed the second set 25-21 against UT Tyler, fueled by a series of pivotal plays from Marusak and
Emma Becker. Marusak showcased her offensive strength with multiple kills, notably at 17-16 and 20-20, while Becker contributed decisively, including a kill to secure the set point at 24-21.
Bromli Watson and
Hannah Pemberton were instrumental in setting up the attacks, with Pemberton assisting on several key points.
WT opened the third set with a strong defensive stance, as Becker and
Sharlotte McClintock combined for a block on Sydney Atkinson that set the tone for the set. Despite a mid-set surge from UT Tyler, shifting the score to 6-3 in their favor, the Lady Buffs responded with a series of strategic plays. A significant moment came when Cavanaugh's kill tied the score at 11-11, leading to a 5-point run that included a service ace from Marusak. The home team maintained their lead with critical plays, including Watson's kill, ultimately sealing the set 25-22 with Becker's decisive kill from a Pemberton assist.
Marusak led the Lady Buffs with 16.5 points, posting 14 kills and securing two service aces. Cavanaugh contributed significantly with 12 kills on 25 attempts, adding seven digs to her performance.
Miranda Acosta excelled defensively, collecting 17 digs over the course of the match. Pemberton facilitated the offense by distributing 17 assists and digging six balls.
Saige Rivera led UT Tyler with 34 assists and contributed 10 digs across three games. Velzis displayed efficiency in attack, achieving a .417 hitting percentage with seven kills and 7.5 total points. Autumn Perry stood out offensively, recording 13 kills on 39 attempts, leading to a team-high 14 points.
The Lady Buffs return to the court on Saturday afternoon as they renew their rivalry with #13 Angelo State, first serve against the #13 Belles is set for 1:00 p.m. in Canyon. Angelo State and UT Tyler will face off at The Box on Friday evening at 6:00 p.m.
