Stephen F. Austin
Incarnate Word
SFA Rolls Over UIW To Stay Perfect In SLC
10/2/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin women's volleyball team remained hot on Thursday night in Shelton Gym, taking care of Incarnate Word 3-0 (25-12, 25-20, 25-18) in the Ladyjacks' home conference opener. SFA has won eight of its last 10 matches, including three straight conference sweeps.
"I thought the most exciting thing tonight was how several different players stepped up for us," said head coach Debbie Humphreys. "We had a dominating performance because we have so many pieces. We have so many offensive weapons. On a night when one particular piece is stopped, the others can take advantage and step up to do a really nice job like they did tonight."
The Ladyjacks (10-7, 3-0 SLC) were efficient offensively all night. The team posted a .326 attack percentage in the match, thanks in large part to the effort of Tori Bates. The junior grounded a match-high 12 kills while swinging at a .429 clip. Sophomore Justice Walker chipped in seven kills, while freshman Kelsi Bartlett and junior Jacque Allen each recorded six.
Senior Jill Ivy led the SFA defense in the match, posting a season-high 13 digs to lead both teams. Allen and Walker each notched four blocks on the evening to help the Ladyjacks limit Incarnate Word (5-11, 1-3 SLC) to a meager .139 attack percentage.
Senior Paige Holland had another solid night across the board for SFA. The setter tallied 29 assists, eight digs and five kills in the match.
SFA jumped out to a big lead in set one and coasted to a convincing 25-12 win. The Ladyjacks held the Cardinals to a .079 hitting percentage in the frame.
The two squads battled back and forth in the next two sets but SFA's size and athleticism proved to be too much for UIW. The Ladyjacks converted 34 of 51 sideout opportunities in the match, getting the ball back to their side on 66 percent of the Cardinals' serves. That return game helped SFA close out set two 25-20, and a rocket kill by Allen closed out the third, 25-18.
The Ladyjacks return to action on Saturday afternoon as they play host to Abilene Christian at 1:00 p.m. in Shelton Gym.
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