Published: November 07, 2009 10:11 pm      

College Volleyball: State takes down Sam Houston

San Marcos — Texas State sent a message loud and clear to the rest of the Southland Conference Saturday afternoon.

Karen Chisum reiterated it after the game.

“The Bobcats are back,” Chisum, in her 30th year as head coach at Texas State, said.

After straining to close out Lamar two days earlier, the Bobcats kept their foot on the throats of their opponent. Texas State swept Sam Houston State and is now in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 seed in the SLC tournament.

“We knew exactly what we had to do today,” Bobcat senior outside hitter Jessica Weynand said. “There was so much on the line and we just came out and played.”

Texas State, who came into the game a game behind the Bearkats in the standings, made SHSU look like a cellar dweller.

The Bobcats neutralized the Bearkats’ outside hitters and didn’t allow SHSU to do anything with its serves. Texas State posted 46 digs in the match and blocked 11 Bearkat attack attempts.

SHSU had 10 attack errors in the first set which allowed the Bobcats to extend their lead. Texas State easily won the opening set, 25-11.

The Bobcats continued their strong play, opening up a two-set lead after smacking 14 kills in the second. Texas State posted a .414 attack percentage in its 25-17 win.

“We never gave Sam an opportunity to get back into the match,” Chisum said. “That’s what I’m proud of. You’ve seen us go 2-0 and lose some intensity in game three, but it didn’t happen today.”

The Bobcats continued to pour it on the Bearkats with 16 kills and a .682 attack percentage in the third set.

Weynand, one of two seniors celebrating senior day, terminated 12 points and dug out nine attack attempts. She and Brittany Collins were removed from the game at 23-17 in the third set and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

“It couldn’t have ended any better here at home,” Weynand said. “I had four great years at Texas State, but thankfully it’s not done yet.”

Texas State has two games left on its regular season schedule before traveling to San Antonio for the SLC tournament. If the Bobcats win out, they’ll be the No. 1 seed and have an inside track at the postseason title.

With the win, Texas State extended its win streak to eight matches.

“We’re playing some good volleyball right now,” Chisum said. “We just need to wrap up these final two games and take this confidence with us into the tournament. Anything can happen there.”