Texas State Volleyball Returns Home for Bobcat Invitational

By Joey Gonzales 
Sports Reporter

Texas State Volleyball has finally returned home after beginning their season with seven straight road matchups. During this time, the Bobcats went 1-6, playing a handful of the nation’s best programs which included #3 Kentucky and #1 Texas. However, on Sept. 10, the Bobcats had their opportunity to welcome both Alabama and Miami to Strahan Arena.

Texas State began the day against the Crimson Tide in which both teams exchanged leads including a 1-1 score after two sets. But, after the second set, Texas State began a push off their own which sealed a controversial third set. Alabama was denied a challenge on the last point of the set.

The Bobcats were tested in the fourth set when Alabama went on a 4-0 run, ultimately Texas State persevered and won the match 3-1. Texas State was led offensively by junior Caitlan Buettner who recorded twelve kills on twenty-two total attempts. In the end, the Bobcats recorded a .215 hit percentage in addition to twenty blocks.

After the morning victory, the Bobcats looked forward to their evening meeting where they would host the Miami Hurricanes. The Canes came into Strahan Arena with a perfect record (6-0) as they began the first of two games in the Bobcat Invitational. 

Prior to the game, Coach Sean Huiet commented on what it meant to play two power five conference schools, saying, “That’s why you put the schedule together, we have a group that wants to do something and they know it will help them down the road.” 

Prior to the game, the Bobcats were recognized for their success in the NCAA Volleyball tournament where they defeated Utah Valley in the first round. After the presentation, Miami got off to a quick start leading to a 25-18 first set victory. This success would continue in the second set, despite Texas State’s opposition leading to a narrow 25-22 set for the Hurricanes.

After the timeout, the Bobcats came out swinging leading to a quick 5-0 lead. Despite this early change of momentum, the Hurricanes would come back and win the match by a final score of 3-0. 

Following the game, Coach Huiet discussed the team’s performance.

“We got outplayed, we got to get to work, whoever’s on the court has to put it together.” However later in the press conference, Huiet did explain his optimism. “The last ten points were very high level, that’s the level we can play at, that’s the level we need to be at, we just can’t wait.”

Despite the loss to Miami Friday night, there were some positive takeaways from the day. Graduate Jada Gardner recorded 23 kills through two matches. Megan Woods made her first appearance of the season in which she had one kill for one attempt. Sophomore Ryann Torres and graduate Brooke Johnson stepped up as setter in the absence of Emily Dewalt. Finally, Kayla Granado reached 1000 career digs in the matchup against Miami.

The Bobcats are back in action Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. when they host Texas A&M at Strahan Arena. The game will be televised on ESPN + in addition to the radio broadcast on KTSW 89.9.

Featured Image by Joey Gonzales