Patriots close in on playoff berth

University Patriots displayed consistency and confidence in Saturday’s home game win against Mary Hardin-Baylor.

As part of the American Southwest Conference East Division, this match was an important battle for third place between the Patriots and the Cru, and the Patriots came out on top in three games, 25-23, 25-19 and 25-17.

Mary Hardin-Baylor Coach Kecia Davis said her young and inexperienced team, with a roster of 11 freshmen, needed this conference win.

The top three teams in the division qualify for the playoffs. So with this win, the Patriots are one step closer to the playoffs.

The Patriots started strong in the first game, winning the first seven points. The women maintained a minimum five-point lead until game point, 24-15.

The Cru snatched the momentum and gained eight points in a row to minimize the Patriots’ lead, 24-21. UMHB fought to catch up, but the Patriots ended the match with a tip, 25-23.

With the momentum from game one, the Cru started game two strongly, grabbing the lead at 6-4. With encouragement from the sidelines by Coach Kristee Phelps to “pull away,” the Patriots surged ahead 10-7.

The teams rallied, with spikes, digs and tips, but the Cru could not stop the Patriots, who secured the lead with an ace by senior Megan McCarty, 22-15.

The Cru put up a fight for game three, countering each point the Patriots scored. With the game tied at 9-9, freshman Danika Waldrep served the Patriots to a 13-9 lead. Despite a few technical errors with a lift and net violations, the Patriots clinched the final game, 25-17.

For the Patriots, this conference win solidifies third place for in the ASC conference. The women play LeTourneau at home on Friday and Phelps said a win against LeTourneau will secure a spot for the Patriots in the playoffs.

If the Patriots clinch the postseason berth, it would be the program’s first one post-season appearance.

By Karli Tedford

Staff Writer