Sept. 29, 2005

Final Stats

COMMERCE - After losing the first two games to Texas Woman's, the Texas A&M University-Commerce volleyball Lions nearly pulled off a 5-game stunner Thursday night in Lone Star Conference North play at the A&M-C Field House.

For the Lions (5-11, 0-2 LSC North), it was Jane Latu's show. She landed 26 kills, a season high for the Lions and made 15 digs.

The Pioneers improved to 8-11 overall and 2-1 in the LSC North on scores of 30-22, 30-27, 28-30, 28-30, and 15-13.

Colleen Favaro added 19 kills for the Lions in what otherwise would have been a season high for the team.

Battling back from 6-0 in the decisive fifth game, the Lions tied at 13-all when Robin Hawkins, who led her team with 15 kills, and Nicole Everett combined for the final points for the Pioneers.

Latu had nine kills in the middle game alone, leading the Lions to a Game 3 win. Three consecutive kills from Favaro gave the Lions the final lead change of the fourth.

Despite the loss, A&M-Commerce continued to show a definite boost of confidence and momentum, head coach Gwen Weatherford said. "The key was we didn't let our chins drop," she said of the team's near comeback rally.

Freshman Brittany Williams spiked 15 kills and had a team-high 16 digs. Setter Alicia Capparelli posted a season-high 55 assists. Jennifer Hill landed seven kills and nine digs.

In the win, Everett added 14 kills. Carley Messmer made 48 assists.

The Pioneers held the edge in attack percentages with a 14.2 mark, while the Lions had nine more kills on an 11.7 percentage. Both appearances at home this season have been 5-game matches. The first the Lions pulled out in the season opener to Henderson State on Sept. 6.

The Lions continue LSC North play on Saturday, when the Lions host Midwestern State at the Field House at 2 p.m.

+++A&M-C+++