MOBILE, Alabama — Texas State suffered its first conference loss of the 2024 season in four sets on Friday night. Despite leveling the match at 1-1 in the second set, Texas State would drop the next two for their first conference loss of the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
Neither side was hitting well at the start of the match, with both sides combining for just 17 kills in the first set. Texas State was plagued by errors as they had nine attack errors, four receive errors and two service errors in the first set. South Alabama was able to make up the difference to win set one 25-18.
 
The Bobcats found some rhythm in set two, though. While improving their hitting to a .267, the team tallied 18 kills in the second set with five from freshman Caelyn Emmerling. With seven tied scores and three lead changes, it took extra points for a winner to be found in the set. After battling back from being down 18-20, Texas State drew things level at 22 apiece. From there, it was back and forth until kills by Jade Defraeye and Sam Wunsch ended the set in favor of the Bobcats. The lone set the Bobcats won of the day was by a 26-24 score.
 
Set three continued to be back and forth between the two sides, but South Alabama was able to win narrowly after a challenge by the Jaguars head coach overturned the last point for them to win 25-23. Despite Texas State outhitting the Jaguars, South Alabama was able to win set three.
 
The third set was close in the early goings, with a one-point split at the media timeout. It ultimately came down to South Alabama going on a 4-0 run to end the match that was the difference maker. Texas State was again plagued by errors in the fourth set while South Alabama hit effectively for 15 kills on 42 attempts. The Jaguars won set four 25-19.
 
Texas State now sits 10-6 on the season with a 4-1 record in Sun Belt play.

STAT LEADERS

• Kills – MJ McCurdy (13)
• Assists – Ryann Torres (37)
• Blocks – Sam Wunsch (6)
• Digs – Ryann Torres (20)

 
SCORES BY SET

• 1st | Texas State 18, South Alabama 25
• 2nd | Texas State 26, South Alabama 24
• 3rd | Texas State 23, South Alabama 25
• 4th | Texas State 19, South Alabama 25

 

UP NEXT
Texas State will return to Strahan Arena on Oct. 18 and 19 versus Arkansas State. Match one on Oct. 18 will be at 6 pm and Oct. 19 at 1 pm.

FOLLOW US
For the latest information on the team, follow @TexasStateVball on Twitter, @TxStateVolleyball on Instagram and Facebook. General athletic news can also be at @TxStateBobcats on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.