Arlington, Texas – Playing for the first time in UT Arlington's new arena, the College Park Center, the Texas State volleyball team needed four sets to get by the Mavericks and run its winning streak to four straight against UTA. The Bobcats won by scores of 25-14, 22-25, 25-17, 25-21.

The Bobcats, who are 7-3 over their past 10 matches, improved to 14-12 overall and 9-6 in the WAC with the win, while UT Arlington dropped to 8-19 overall and 4-11 in conference. Texas State remains in fifth place in the WAC standings.

After scoring the first three points of the match, a 6-1 run in the first set helped put the Bobcats in control as the team breezed to a 25- victory in the opening set. The team never trailed as the defense forced UT Arlington to hit negative (-.033) in the period. The Bobcats totaled 18 digs, led by five from Laura Whalen and four from Sierra Smith, while Ashlee Hilbun's five kills led the offense.

Texas State fell behind by six, 16-10, midway through the second set before starting to chip away to get back in the set. An ace from Caleigh McCorquodale brought the team within three before Hilbun's kill made the team's deficit just one, 20-19. However, UT Arlington went on a three-point run to go ahead 23-19 before closing out the set to tie the match at 1-1.

The Bobcats led 13-10 in set three before going on a 5-1 run that put the team in front by seven, 18-11. Blocks from Hilbun and Molly Ahrens helped fuel the run. The team would maintain its advantage from that point forward as the Mavericks would not get any closer than five. Alexandra Simms capped off the set with her fourth kill of the period to put the Bobcats ahead 2-1.

The fourth set was back-and-forth with each team going on runs while the lead changed hands. However, with the score 20-17 in favor of UT Arlington, the Bobcats went on an 8-1 run to close out the set to take home the match.

Hilbun finished with an outstanding all-around game that included her third double-double of the season. The junior posted a team-high 14 kills, a career-high 18 digs and five blocks – leading the team in all three categories.

Amari Deardorff and Alexandra Simms both tallied 13 kills, while Caylin Mahoney added nine from her setter position.

Caleigh McCorquodale led the team with 22 assists along with eight digs, while Mahoney finished with 18 helpers.

Defensively, Whalen had 16 digs and Patti Bradshaw finished with 10. Ahrens had four blocks (three solo, one assist) and Mahoney posted three.

Texas State now looks forward to its final two home matches of the 2012 season next week. The Bobcats will take on New Mexico State on Thursday, November 8 at 6:30 p.m. before hosting the team's Senior Day against Denver on Saturday, November 10 at 2 p.m.

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