SAN MARCOS, Texas — Texas State Volleyball opened the 2023 Bobcat Classic with a 3-2 loss to Southeastern Louisiana.

HOW IT HAPPENED:  After Southeastern Louisiana got a streak going early, outscoring the Bobcats 7-2, Texas State went on a streak of its own to bring things back within one point. Things remained back and forth until the visitors took the slight edge and were able to win the set 25-21.

Set two was a back and forth affair. The two sides went back and forth until Texas State was able to pull away slightly with an 18-14 lead. From there, SLU tried to inch its way back, but the Bobcats held its lead thanks to three of the team's last four point in the set being kills by KJ Johnson.

Set three was where the Bobcats played its best game. After going back and forth through the first prt of the set, SLU took a slight 12-10 lead. From there, though, Texas State went on a 6-0 run to make the score 16-12. This run was highlighted by big blocks from Samantha Wunsch and Jade Defraeye. 

SLU was able to pull things back to take a 20-18 lead, though. Texas State would reclaim the lead again when things went 21-20, then it was matching points up until the end. Neither side could find an edge until Bailey Hanner and Carlee Pharris set up for a massive block that the visitors were unable to defend and Texas State would take the third set 28-26. 

Set four started off similarly to the match with SLU going on a run early, this time getting out to a 6-0 jump. From there, the visitors continued to extend their lead and despite the team's best efforts, Texas State was unable to make a comeback and fell 25-19.

Set five also went in favor of the visitors. Texas State had things tied up 3-3 but an 11-1 scoring run by SLU silenced the Bobcats hopes for set five and the set ended 15-6 in favor of the Southland Conference reigning champions.
 
WHAT HEAD COACH SEAN HUIET SAID: "We're going to talk about it tonight, but we have to bounce back. That's the nature of our game is we come back pretty quick and play a good Cal team, a physical Cal team. I'm just frustrated because we didn't play Texas State volleyball tonight. When we get back to our roots and we're playing Texas State volleyball, you'll see a different team tomorrow."
 
MATCH NOTES

• The Bobcats sit to 4-2 on the year with its loss to Southeastern Louisiana. The Bobcats have a 2-1 record at home.
• Graduate KJ Johnson had her second double-double as a Bobcat with 27 kills and 15 digs.
• Jade Defraeye hit .375 (4-1-8) on the night with six blocks.
• This is the first time TXST has lost at home in five sets since Sept. 30, 2022 versus James Madison.
• Head coach Sean Huiet sits at 79 career wins, with a 79-30 record in his four-year tenure.

STAT LEADERS

• Kills – KJ Johnson (27)
• Assists – Carlee Pharris (45)
• Service Aces – Bailey Hanner (3)
• Blocks – Samantha Wunsch, Jade Defraeye (6)
• Digs – Jacqueline Lee (20)

SCORES BY SET

• 1st | Southeastern Louisiana 25, Texas State 21
• 2nd | Texas State 25, Southeastern Louisiana 23
• 3rd | Texas State 28, Southeastern Louisiana 26
• 4th | Southeastern Louisiana 25, Texas State 19
• 5th | Southeastern Louisiana 15, Texas State 6

UP NEXT:
The Bobcats will look to bounce back as they face Pac-12 foe California tomorrow evening. The match will start at 7 p.m. inside Strahan Arena and be a whiteout theme. For those unable to attend the match will be streamed on ESPN+ with Brant Freeman and Mick Haley on the call.
 
FOLLOW US
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