Jade Salinas, SHSU Student Media
The San Houston Bearkats came back from two sets down to defeat the Tarleton Texans 3-2 at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum Thursday evening.
The Bearkats (7-20, 4-9) were coming into this game with an 8-game losing streak looking to end their skid. They were coming off a 2-game road trip where they were swept twice.
The Texans (12-15, 4-8) came into this match looking to grab a win against Sam Houston after getting swept in the season series last year.
They looked to have been close to getting a win when they came out the gates with a two sets to zero lead against the Bearkats.
The Texans took both sets one and two with the same score of 25-21.
They were being led by junior outside hitter Grayson Schirpik. She had team highs with 17 kills and 20 digs, recording a double-double in the process. Sophomore outside hitter Megan Haynes had 16 kills right behind her.
Texan freshman setter Megan Hodges set up a lot of the Texans kills with a team high 27 assists. Junior setter Melina Maldonado had 25 assists herself.
It seemed at the time the Bearkats woes would continue. They have had this issue all season where they would fight close in sets but could not get something to go later in sets.
Sam Houston did not let it happen again.
The Bearkats proceeded to win three straight sets to take the win 3-2.
The freshman showed out again for the Bearkats.
Freshman middle blocker Madison Dyer led the Bearkats with a game high 18 kills on a .353 attacking percentage.
A lot of those kills came off of assists from freshman setter Avery Fowler. She set up a game high 30 assists. This tied Fowler’s career high in assist; her other 30-assist game was back on Sept. 16 against the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes.
Fowler also had 12 digs, marking a double-double.
Sophomore middle blocker McKenzie Morvant alongside Dyer up the middle had 16 kills.
Fellow sophomore setter Jenna Roberson had 19 assists.
Junior outside hitter Catherine Krieger recorded a double-double with 10 kills and 10 assits.
Sophomore libero Hannah Baker stayed one of the best in the WAC with 27 digs.
This was a dramatic win. It was a team effort by no stretch. While the Bearkats WAC tournament hopes are very slim, there is still the hope for now and the future.
Because if there are reasons to be excited about the future of this volleyball team, this win would be one of those reasons.
The Bearkats will finish off their season Saturday at 1 p.m. with a season rematch against the Abilene Christian Wildcats.
It will be on ESPN plus and will be radio broadcasted on 90.5 KSHU The Kat.
