Nov. 13, 2008

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi - UTSA Match Notes

ARLINGTON, Texas - The UT Arlington volleyball team will close its season with home matches against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (4-20, 2-12) and UTSA (18-10, 10-4). The Mavs lost to both opponents when starting Southland Conference play on Sept. 26-27.

The Mavericks will also celebrate senior night on Saturday, Nov. 15, recognizing a pair of seniors (Ally Wade and Michelle Schwartz) who have been in the UT Arlington volleyball program the past four seasons.

UT Arlington freshman Amanda Aguilera had another strong weekend, which has now elevated her to leading the SLC during conference play averaging 3.67 kills per set. Aguilera had 24 kills and 15 digs in the Mavericks last match.

UT Arlington has seen several impressive outings from many of its players of late, which also includes freshman libero Alicia Shaffer and junior Teena Sobczak, who each tallied a season-high 24 digs on the road against Lamar.

The Mavericks are the only team to play the Lady Cardinals to a five-set match in the two-year history of McDonald Gym.

INSIDE THE SERIES:
The Mavericks dropped their first match ever against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi earlier this season and are now 7-1 all time against the Islanders. Friday's match marks the ninth all-time meeting in this series. The Mavericks are 2-0 against the Islanders in Arlington. Both matches played in this series in Arlington have ended with a Mavericks' victory in three sets.

The Mavericks play UTSA on Saturday, in what will be the 36th all-time meeting between these programs... The Mavericks hold a 25-10 advantage, with a commanding 16-1 lead in Arling¬ton... UT Arlington has won four of the last six meetings overall... UTSA's only victory over the Mavericks in Arlington came on Oct. 26, 1999, in three sets.

SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE STANDINGS:
Western Division
Texas State (12-2, 19-13)
Lamar (11-3, 13-10)
UTSA (10-4, 18-10)
Sam Houston State (8-6, 13-17)
UT Arlington (2-12, 6-22)
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (2-12, 4-20)

Eastern Division
Central Arkansas (10-4, 18-7)
Stephen F. Austin (9-5, 18-8)
McNeese State (6-8, 10-16)
Nicholls (6-8, 9-15)
Northwestern State (5-9, 10-14)
Southeastern Louisiana (3-11, 10-16)

*** The top eight teams from the regular season will advance to the Southland Conference Tournament held in Nacogdoches, Texas, on Nov. 21-23, with the winner of the SLC Tournament receiving an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.