News release from Texas A&M Athletics:
KNOXVILLE – The Texas A&M volleyball team fell in a four-set battle to Tennessee Sunday afternoon at Thompson-Boling Arena, 3-1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-15, 27-25).
In a battle of offense versus defense, A&M (15-7, 6-6 SEC) came up short versus Lady Vols (13-9, 6-6 SEC) in four sets. Logan Lednicky’s season-high 27 kills spearheaded the teams’ 65 on the day, but Tennessee’s 16 blocks and overall efficiency sealed the win.
The Aggies came out of the gate firing to lead by five, forcing a Tennessee timeout (12-7). The Lady Vols fought their way back to knot the match at 17. Back-and-forth volleyball ensued, as the teams found level on three-more occasions to 21. A&M struck its 22nd point as Tennessee called its final timeout, but the momentum continued as the Maroon & White tacked on three-straight to take the opener, 25-21.
The teams traded points to start the second, as they were level at the midway point (15-15). The Lady Vols strung together a four-point streak as head coach Jamie Morrison huddled his team up, 19-15. Tennessee held its rhythm and despite fending off three set points, the Lady Vols won the frame (25-21) and leveled the match, 1-1.
Tennessee carried its momentum into the third, pushing out to an early lead (15-6). The Lady Vols’ streak continued, as they claimed the frame (25-15) and lead in the match, 2-1.
A&M needed a spark and got it from Lednicky, as the junior ripped off five kills in the early stages of the set as the Aggies led by four (8-4). The Lady Vols battled back to knot the match at 24. A&M survived a pair of match points as the frame went to extras, but Tennessee snatched the set (27-25) and match, 3-1.
STAT LEADERS
Kills – Logan Lednicky – 27
Hitting Percentage (Min. 10 kills) – Ifenna Cos-Okpalla – .421
Assists – Maddie Waak – 45
Aces – Emily Hellmuth – 3
Digs – Emily Hellmuth – 14
Blocks – Morgan Perkins – 3
UP NEXT
The Maroon & White conclude their road stint at Oklahoma Wednesday, Nov. 13, with first serve set for 7 p.m.