COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Texas State volleyball team closed out the Texas A&M Invitational with a 3-0 (25-23, 32-30, 25-12) loss to VCU Friday afternoon inside Reed Arena.
 
The Bobcats dropped to 1-1 on the young campaign, while the match was the season opener for the Rams.
 
Senior Jaliyah Bolden and sophomore Megan Porter led TXST with nine kills each. Freshman Brooke Johnson tallied 14 assists, while senior Erin Hoppe added 11.
 
The opening game saw the two teams stay near deadlocked throughout. Neither side ever found more than a three-point cushion, and it was the Rams who were able to secure the early advantage. Texas State went ahead 23-22, but VCU won the final three points to take the frame 25-23.
 
The second set looked to be a comfortable triumph for the Rams, but the Bobcats made them earn the 32-30 win. VCU worked to a 21-12 lead and held at least five game points at 24-19. Texas State won all five and even held a set point at 25-24. The Bobcats saved nine set points, but it was the 10th that would spell doom for the maroon and gold.
 
The Rams used the momentum of winning two close sets to pull ahead 11-4 in the third. They were able to hold TXST at bay to earn the sweep with a 25-12 victory in the third set.
 
Gina Tuzzolo led VCU with 10 kills. Dajah Ard dished out 17 assists, while Tyler Sroufe contributed 14. Both Alica Kandler and Rebekah Strange finished with 11 digs.
 
VCU led in kills (42-37), attack percentage (.286-.051), assists (36-32), and blocks (15-4). The Bobcats held the advantage in digs (39-36).
 
The Bobcats were scheduled to face Texas A&M Saturday, but the match was canceled due to the impending threat of Hurricane Harvey. The next action for the maroon and gold will now be at the Xavier Tournament Sept. 1-2 in Cincinnati, Ohio. TXST will face Western Michigan, Cincinnati and Xavier.
 
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