Bobcats start 1-1 at Mizuno Classic

Texas State broke its three-game losing streak Thursday, but were swept for the third time this season Friday to begin the Long Beach State Mizuno Classic in Long Beach, California.

The Bobcats began the event against the host team and snapped a nine-set losing streak by taking the first game off LBSU, 25-17. The hosts countered, winning the next two frames 25-18 and 25-19. Texas State steeled up to claim the fourth game, 25-20, and push the match into its final round.

LBSU jumped out to a 5-2 lead, but the Bobcats tied it at 7-7. The team finished the hosts off with a block from senior outside hitter Cheyenne Huskey and junior middle blocker Tyeranee Scott, winning the set 17-15 and the match 3-2.

“I think the key was our energy and our belief tonight. These kids were hungry,” head coach Karen Chisum said in a statement. “They needed it, they wanted it and they came together as a team. Many stepped up like (sophomore outside hitter) Kenedi (Rutherford) and I thought Cheyenne and (sophomore setter) Emily (DeWalt) played pretty consistently tonight. I am just so proud of them all and the overall team effort we had tonight.”

Texas State took on UCLA in its next match Friday, and while the team kept it close in each frame, the maroon and gold couldn’t pull out a victory. The Bruins swept the team, 3-0 (26-24, 25-18, 25-23).

“I thought we battled pretty well,” said head coach Karen Chisum. “They beat us on the serve and pass game and I think the biggest disappointment was that we had an opportunity in two sets and we just could not put them away. Other than that, I was excited to get (freshman outside hitter) Caitlan (Buettner) and (senior setter) Rylie (Fuentes) in the match to see what they got. I think they will help us down the road.”

The Bobcats played in their last match of the Mizuno Classic against Georgia on Saturday. The contest ended after press time.