The Southland conference’s top ranked Roadrunners fell to the second ranked Texas State Bobcats in an upset defeat at the Convocation Center on Thursday Nov. 10, in four sets (23-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-17).
The Roadrunner defeat was witnessed by a record crowd of 1,612.
“It’s so great to see all those people out there just cheering for us. Not matter if we’re up or down or even after the game they are still cheering for us. It’s great to see that,” Junior setter Kelsey Schwirtlich said.
With the Bobcats’ recent victory the season series is even at one win a piece as the UTSA Roadrunners defeat them on the road earlier this season on Sept. 22, which is the only conference loss for Texas State this season. The loss drops UTSA to an overall record of 19-10 and a conference record of 13-2. The Bobcats have also snapped the Roadrunners 14-game home winning streak with the win.
Freshman Becca Stark beautifully sang the National Anthem for the record crowd at the Convocation Center, and from that point on total bedlam rocked the Convo the rest of the match.
The Roadrunners came into this rivalry game at less than full strength, with outstanding sophomore outside hitter McKenzie Adams playing with an abdomen injury and Schwirtlich playing sick, but their heart and determination kept them going.
The intensity spiked to an incredibly high level once the first set started, and kept on climbing till it reached a fever-pitch. Every point was awarded only after long rallies with Roadrunners and Bobcats diving all over the court.
The match showcased 23 total ties and nine lead changes. As is often the case in rivalry games, neither team was willing to back down.
Senior libero Kelsey Jewasko had an impassioned performance as she dived all over the court for 18 digs in the match. Senior outside hitter Elise Huskey led the Roadrunners with 13 hard fought kills in game and ten digs. Impressive Sophomore outside hitter McKenzie Adams tallied 10 kills for the night and consist offensive threat Junior outside hitter Brittney Malloy scored 11 kills for the Roadrunners. The key to Texas State’s victory was their defensive performance.
“We haven’t been very intense,” head volleyball Coach Laura Groff said. “Every stat of the game they kicked our tail.”
Despite the efforts of Jewasko who is chasing the school dig record, The Roadrunners were outdigged by the Bobcats
“When a team out digs us, they are going to beat you,” Groff said. “My biggest disappointment is that we got out dug tonight.”
Huskey reiterated what her coach said about the mistakes made by the team.
“We have people that do make mistakes and we are there for each other and we know we are there for each other, and we keep pushing forward,” Huskey said. “That’s why we kept the games so close. We are definitely going to learn from this and fix a few things.”
The Roadrunners will play their last-ever Southland Conference home game against the University of Texas-Arlington on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Convocation Center.
