Box Score Box Score
Belton, TX – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor volleyball team could not overcome a sluggish start and the Cru dropped a three-set decision to U.T.-Tyler in the 2009 season finale. The loss eliminates UMHB from the hunt for the final East Division berth in the American Southwest Conference Championship Tournament and ends the Cru's season at 8-25 overall and 5-12 in ASC play. The Patriots improve to 11-19 overall and 4-12 in the ASC with the victory.
The Patriots scored seven of the first nine points in the first set and the Cru would not get closer than five points in the rest of the set. The second set would be a back and forth affair before U.T.-Tyler scored four of the final five points of the set for the victory. The Cru then fell behind 7-2 in the third set before fighting back to cut it to 22-21. That would be as close as UMHB could get the rest of the way.
Christina Miller led the Cru with 10 kills, but no other player had more than five for UMHB. Erin Maenius had a team-best 13 digs and Kaydie Cochran added 10 more. Kayla Marzean posted a team-high 19 assists and Sara Hayward added four block assists for the Cru.
Amanda Hanson led U.T.-Tyler with 13 kills and Danika Waldrep added seven more for the Patriots. Cristy Meredith posted a team-high 17 assists and Hillary Taylor added 16 digs to lead U.T.-Tyler. The Patriots hit .280 as a team and added seven service aces in the match.
UMHB could have clinched an ASC Tournament berth with a victory over the Patriots. The Cru should return everyone for next season, with no seniors on this year's roster. UMHB has qualified for the ASC Tournament twice in the last four years.
