NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Houston Christian volleyball fell 3–1 to Stephen F. Austin Thursday night inside Shelton Gym, despite a strong start and multiple standout performances.
The Huskies came out firing, hitting .415 in the opening frame to secure a 25–23 win. HCU controlled the pace early behind kills from
Joya Euhus and
Allana Archie, then sealed the set with a late surge that included a key block from Euhus and a service ace by
Peyton Fadal.
SFA responded with a 25–18 win in the second set, fueled by a strong defensive effort at the net. The Ladyjacks carried their momentum into the third, hitting .457 to claim the frame 25–11. HCU showed resilience in the fourth, battling through long rallies and tightening its block, but SFA closed out the match with a 25–16 final.
Euhus and Archie led the Huskies' offense with 10 kills apiece, while
Katy Barger added nine kills and two blocks. Fadal posted 30 assists and 12 digs for her seventh double-double of the season. Libero
Bianca Byerly anchored the defense with 13 digs, and Brooklyn Lee contributed eight.
As a team, HCU recorded 43 kills, 38 assists, 51 digs, and five aces. The Huskies move to 10–10 overall and 5–2 in Southland Conference play.
Houston Christian continues its road stretch on Saturday, Oct. 18, visiting Lamar for an 11 a.m. conference matchup in Beaumont, Texas.
