Commerce, Texas

Despite a stellar 30-kill performance by junior middle blocker Colleen Favaro, the Texas A&M-Commerce volleyball team dropped a 27-30, 30-16, 21-30, 30-28, 11-15 decision in Thursday's Lone Star Conference matchup against Midwestern State at the A&M-Commerce Field House.

The Lions (11-16, 4-5) battled back from a five-point deficit (8-13) to take a 27-25 lead late in game one, only to have Midwestern State respond by scoring five unanswered points en route to a 30-27 win. A&M-Commerce's Favaro and sophomore outside hitter Brittany Williams tied for game-high honors with four kills apiece and freshman libero Lauren Flynn recorded a game-high seven digs.

A&M-Commerce made quick work of the Mustangs in game two by outhitting MWSU .483 to .107. The Lions recorded 16 kills in the 30-16 victory. Favaro blasted a game-high seven kills and hit .700 for the game to lead the Lion's offensive attack.

Midwestern State (13-13, 3-6) controlled the tempo for much of the third game and went on to record a 30-21 win. Favaro once again earned game-high honors with seven kills and junior middle blocker Wannie Neal chipped in five in the defeat.

In a closely contested fourth game, A&M-Commerce fought back from a late, two-point deficit (26-28) by scoring four consecutive points to earn a 30-26 win and to force a fifth and deciding game. Favaro led all players with eight kills, while junior setter Jackie Orr and Flynn each recorded six digs to lead the Lion's defense.

In the fifth and final game, Midwestern State stormed out to an early 4-0 lead, but the Lions fought back to tie the game at five. The Mustangs broke the five-all tie and never looked back to finish out the game and match with a 15-11 victory.

Favaro, who recently joined the A&M-Commerce 1,000-kill club, recorded a match-high 30 kills in the loss. Flynn led all players with 26 digs and Williams posted her 11th double-double of the season with 10 kills and 12 digs. Neal and senior middle blocker Jane Latu each chipped in with double-kill efforts tallying 18 and 10, respectively.

The Mustangs were led by Krissa Johnson, who managed 24 kills and five digs. Rachel Gilmore and Lacey Lanier each posted double-doubles for the Mustangs with 11 kills/13 digs and 14 kills/11 digs, respectively.

The Lions host their final home match of the season on Saturday at the A&M-Commerce Field House. The match is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. and will feature a pre-match ceremony honoring Lions senior Jane Latu.