On Tuesday night, the University of St. Thomas Volleyball team hosted the #17 ranked East Texas Baptist University Tigers at the Jerabeck Activity and Athletic Center (the JAAC). It was a rare mid-week match for the host Celts and their last non-conference game before heading into Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play. After a fast (5-2) start to the season, the Celts are in the toughest stretch of their schedule and in need of a win.
With a ranked opponent in the house, the Celts were ready to play and jumped out to a 10-4 lead in the first set, before ETBU took a timeout, regrouped, and cut the Celts' lead to 10-7. St. Thomas responded, immediately extending their lead to 19-12, keeping the Tigers at bay until closing out the first set 25-20. The second set saw the Tigers roar back, taking command from the start and eventually winning the set 25-15.
With the match even at one set each, both teams came out focused for a pivotal 3rd set. It was not until midway through the set that either team could find breathing room. Unfortunately, the Tigers took 7 of the next 8 points, pushing an 11-10 lead to 18-10nd sealing a 3rd set victory, 25-16. With the 4th set being a must-win for the Celts, they came ready to make the Tigers earn the match. Like the 3rd set, it was close until halfway through, only this time it was UST that pulled away on the power of their dynamic duo, Bodunrin & Cataline, as both pounded ETBU into submission and a 25-19 4th set win.
Up 3-1 to start the 5th set, St. Thomas dropped 7 of the next 9 points and trailed 8-5 when the teams switched sides. While UST fought to the end, closing the gap to 12-13, the #17 ranked Tigers proved to be a bit too much and took the 5th set 15-12.
For the Celts, it was super-soph Alexis Bodunrin who led the Celts with 16 kills. Audrey Cataline, who has been terrific defensively this year, finished tied for with a team-high 19 digs along with Kara Spice. However, the Tiger's defensive game plan to focus on Cataline was successful. East Texas' Outside Hitter Graycee Mosely was outstanding with a match-high 23 kills.
Next up for St. Thomas is a trip to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to begin the competition. The Celts will first play the host Colorado College Tigers before facing SCAC newcomer McMurry and the University of Dallas. To keep up with all the UST Volleyball action, visit www.ustcelts.com or follow them @ustwvball on Instagram and/or twitter.