HOUSTON – Junior outside hitter
Jessica Wooten became HBU's latest member of the 1,000-kill club, as the volleyball team disposed of Sam Houston State, 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-23), on Thursday night inside Sharp Gym.
Wooten recorded her 1,000th career kill for the Huskies (14-12, 6-5 SLC) with the team's first point against the Bearkats (11-14, 5-6 SLC) in the opening set. The native of Humble, Texas, co-led the team with 10 kills to pass Jamie Sebesta (1,008, 2004-07) for eighth all-time at HBU with 1,009 career kills.
Senior middle blocker
Allison Doerpinghaus joined Wooten with 10 kills, while outside hitters
Bailey Banks and
Sophie Zielinski followed, recording nine and eight kills, respectively. Junior setter
Kayla Armer recorded 39 assists.
Junior libero
Melissa Fuchs led the Huskies on the back row, scooping 14 digs, while Banks finished one shy of her career-high with 13.
The Huskies, who outhit SHSU .266-.147 for the match, turned in a staggering .500 hitting percentage in the opening set to take a 25-17 victory.
In set two, Doerpinghaus and Wooten each turned in five kills to give HBU a 25-21 win and 2-0 lead at the break.
In the third set, the Bearkats showed signs of life, rallying from down nine (23-14) to even the match at 23-all, before and attack error and kill from Armer closed the match in straight sets.
The Huskies will close their homestand on Saturday, playing their third match in five days in an 11 a.m. meeting with Lamar on Halloween.
Postgame Quotes – Head Coach Trent Herman
Overview of match…"We came out strong tonight and followed the game plan really well. The girls were focused and we were able to take this one in three sets."
On team's effort…"We were balanced and that was key for us. Our passing was really good early. In sets one and two, we were able to move the ball around and stress the other team really well. We also did a really good job with our serving in those sets, putting them in a disadvantage."
On getting ready for Saturday…"Winning in three sets tonight gives us a chance to rest our legs. Tomorrow, we will take a good look at Lamar on the scouting report and get ready for them."
