Bobcats defeat Louisiana Monroe in Sun Belt Conference opener

Texas State began their quest for a Sun Belt Conference title against Louisiana Monroe, as the Bobcats defeated the Warhawks 3-1 (25-22, 19-25, 25-23, 25-11).

Though Head Coach Sean Huiet said he was happy with the win, he also wanted more from the team.

“Obviously when you get a win and start at home it feels good,” Huiet said. “It just took us too long. ULM did a really good job of following their game plan and I thought we were on the defensive way too long, while not sticking to our game plan.”

The first set was a competitive back and forth affair, ending with the Warhawks up 10-8.

Texas State responded by going on a 8-1 run, as the Bobcats took a 16-11 lead.

Though ULM was able to keep it close, the Warhawks were unable to take the lead back, as the Bobobcats won the first set 25-22.

The second set was another competitive back as both the Bobcats and the Warhawks trading the lead once more.

The Bobcats fell in a rut as the Warhawks went on a 9-1 run to end the second set, winning 25-17 and tying the match up at 1-1.

With the match all tied up, outside hitters Samantha Wunsch and Maggie Walsh listened to their teammate K.J. Johnson, who was out with an injury, as she rallied the team to take the third set.

“We all had a lot confidence in ourselves that we could get it done,” Wunsch said. “When you get down a set, you just don’t give up. … K.J. did a really good job during the downtime, stepping up and telling us we got this and have each other’s back.”

“Even if she is not playing, she has a huge impact on the team,” Walsh said. “She told us before the third set to have confidence on the court.'

That rallying cry was enough, as the Bobcats jumped out to a 5-1 lead and never looked back.

Despite ULM putting up a fight, it wasn’t enough as the Bobcats took the important third set, 25-23.

Heading into the fourth set, not only did Texas State need to win but they also put a stamp on the game by finishing strong.

“A lot of it is that we play them tomorrow,” Wunsch said. “So, going into the next game with a lot of confidence and swagger, finishing the fourth set knowing we can put this team away in the next game.”

The Bobcats got the response they needed by jumping out to a 8-3 lead.

With ULM cutting the lead down to 12-6, the Bobcats responded by going on a 9-0 to stretch the lead to 21-6.

Texas State closed out the fourth set, 25-11, to win the match at 3-1.

One of the problems the Bobcats faced during the game was their ability to pass the ball.

“I think our serve and pass game needs to pick it up,” Huiet said. “You saw it in the fourth when we converse with the ball and pass what we can do. I’m a little frustrated, but glad we ended up with the win.”

Walsh led the team in both in kills and digs with 18 and 17 respectively, giving the sophomore a double- double for the night.

Wunsch was second in kills with 14.

Ryann Torres and Carlee Pharris helped delivered the kills for the Bobcats with Torres having a game high 20 assists followed by Pharris with 15.

The Bobcat defense also came to play with Texas State holding the net with 10 blocks.

Texas State closes out their series with ULM on Friday before time of press.

For the results of the game, follow the San Marcos Daily Record online at www.sanmarcosrecord. com

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