Bobcats defeat Georgia Southern, extend winning streak

Texas State extended its winning streak to 10 games with a 3-1 (23-25, 25-14, 25-21, 25-22) victory over Georgia Southern on Friday at Hanner Fieldhouse in Statesboro, Ga.

The Bobcats (15-5, 6-0 Sun Belt) began the first set strongly against the Eagles (7-11, 2-2). Texas State jumped out to a 15-10 lead, followed by a 20-13 advantage. But Georgia Southern put together a furious rally. The Eagles went on a 12-3 run to secure the opening set, 25-23. 

Texas State evened the match in the second set. The Bobcats grabbed a 10-4 advantage and then pushed it out to 21-10. Texas State won the set 25-14.

The Bobcats held a 7-4 lead early in the third set, but Georgia Southern rallied to take an 11-8 advantage. Texas State evened the set at 15-15. The Bobcats fought their way to a 25-21 win to take a 2-1 match advantage.

Texas State earned the first five points of the fourth set, but Georgia Southern went on a 5-1 run to tie the frame at 6-6. The period was tied nine more times before Georgia Southern took an 18-15 lead. But Texas State finished on a 10-4 run to win the set 25-22 and the match 3-1.

Senior outside hitter Amy Pflughaupt led the Bobcats with a match-high 14 kills. Junior outside hitter/setter Cheyenne Huskey added 12 kills, while freshman outside hitter Sarabi Worsley-Gilbert tallied 11 kills. Freshman setter Emily DeWalt recorded 46 assists and 10 digs. She leads the conference with 13 double-doubles. Junior libero Micah Dinwiddie amassed a match-leading 20 digs.

Georgia Southern sophomore middle blocker/right side Skylar Ball and senior middle blocker Lauren Reichard led the Eagles with 12 kills each. Freshman outside hitter/right side Maddie Bryant had 11 digs and 10 kills. Freshman setter Madison Brown led the Eagles with 44 assists.

Texas State continued conference play against Georgia State on Saturday, which ended after press time.