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Tuscaloosa, Ala. – After dominating the first two sets, the Texas State volleyball team had to claw its way to a four-set victory over Alabama State in the team's first match of the season on Friday evening. The Bobcats began the season 1-0 after taking a 3-1 victory in the second game of the Hampton Inn Bama Bash hosted by Alabama.

Sophomore middle blocker Ashlee Hilbun had a strong match from start to finish but was even more impressive down the stretch as she recorded a pair of crucial blocks that helped the Bobcats come back from a late deficit against the Hornets to take the final set, 25-23.

Texas State cruised to 25-13 set wins in the first two before the team's third-set comeback fell short, 21-25.

Hilbun did a little bit of everything in Friday's match, finishing with a career-high 13 digs, nine kills and nine blocks (one solo, eight assists) and was part of a big Bobcat front line that totaled 46 kills and 15 blocks in the four-set match. Texas State held significant advantages in both categories as the Hornets were able to muster just 33 kills and two blocks for the match.

The difference between the first two sets and the last two sets can be directed to the serving game where the Hornets recorded eight aces, five of which came in the final two sets, and forced several misplayed balls by the Bobcats. Texas State also missed 11 serves during the match, eight of which came after the second set.

However, Texas State was able to overcome their miscues at the service line thanks to impressive play at the net and defensively. Texas State hit .202 as a team for the game, led by senior Amber Calhoun who finished the match with a .409 hitting percentage to go along with 10 kills. Sophomore Melissa Toth also impressed in her Texas State debut, finishing with a team-high 11 kills and .286 hitting percentage.

Freshman Alexandra Simms also made her Bobcat debut and finished the match with six kills on a team-high 27 attempts, while sophomore Rachel James added five kills in 12 swings.

Senior Rachel Doyle led the team with 14 digs out of the back row, and freshman Laura Whalen added 13 digs after getting the start at libero in her Texas State debut. The Bobcats held a 61-58 advantage in digs for the match.

Texas State returns to action on Saturday, August 27 with a pair of matches to conclude the Bama Bash. The Bobcats will play Austin Peay at 3 p.m. before facing the host Crimson Tide at 7 p.m. in Foster Auditorium.

For complete live coverage of tomorrow's matches, be sure to visit www.TxStateBobcats.com.