Oct. 23, 2007

Final Stats

ARLINGTON - Melinda Cave had a new career high of 23 kills, but Texas State couldn't overcome a slow start at Texas-Arlington Tuesday night, losing 3-1 (19-30, 15-30, 33-31, 28-30).

The loss was the Bobcats' (12-10, 5-5 SLC) third straight while UTA (14-9, 7-3 SLC) snapped a two-game skid.

A 6-0 run in game one gave UTA a 9-4 lead it wouldn't give back, as the Bobcats would get no closer than a 14-11 deficit in losing the opening set 30-19.

Texas State fell into a deeper hole in game two, never leading in the game before the Mavs ran away with a 30-15 decision to make it a 2-0 match at the half.

Despite falling behind 5-1 to open a must-win game three, Texas State fought back to tie the game at 20-20. UTA took another lead at 28-26, but the Bobcats refused to quit, using a pair of Mav errors and kills by Cave and Lawrencia Brown to keep comeback hopes alive with a 33-31 win.

In the deciding game four UTA held an early 14-7 lead. Texas State trimmed the lead to 22-18, but the Mavs would extend it back to 27-20. A 7-1 Bobcat rally brought the `Cats back within two at 28-26 but would get no closer, as Texas State lost 30-28 to end the match.

Cave's 23 kills marked the first time she reached the 20 kill mark on the year, while both Irvin and Brown recorded double-doubles. Brown added 14 kills and Irvin 46 assists while each finished with 17 digs.

Bianca Sauls led UTA with 18 kills and added 12 digs, while Emily Nedderman had 44 assists and 10 digs.

The Bobcats continue a busy week of conference play with a Thursday date against Central Arkansas at 7 p.m. inside Strahan Coliseum.