SU Comeback Over McM Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

 

Photo: Chantal Beaudoin &

Caitlin Gayle turn away McMurry

 

KERRVILLE, TX - In a must-win match to stay alive in the ASC playoff race, Schreiner Volleyball comes back from 2 sets down and wins a huge match 3-2 to switch places with 3rd place McMurry.  Coming into the match McMurry temporarily held the 3rd (and last) playoff spot in the ASC West while Schreiner was on their heels in 4th place.  An SU loss would have meant no playoffs for the Mountaineers; the win creates a "WIN AND SU IS IN" situation for Saturday's home match against ASC West 1st Place rival Hardin-Simmons. 

 

SU started both the 1st and 2nd sets off hot and took early leads, but McMurry was able to come back.  The 1st set was tied at 24, when McM won the final two points.  The 2nd set was tied 23-23, and McM once again grabbed the final points to go up 2-0. 

 

With SU's back against the wall, seniors Tiffany Miller, Kaycee Westberry, and Brittany Alvillar led the Mountaineers back and wouldn't let their playoff aspirations die.  SU got off to quick starts again in the 3rd and 4th sets, and this time did not let McM steal the momentum.  SU won the third set 25-17, and the 4th set 25-21.

 

Edington Gym was rockin' with the SU faithful on every point in the intense fifth set.  It was back-and-forth and the pressure was at a fever pitch as the match was tied at 9-9.  McM briefly took the momentum and a 12-9 lead when the SU seniors took a time-out.

 

As Coach White explained:  "Our seniors led the last time out.  I got about 10 words in." 

 

What they said was obviously effective, as SU pulled off 5 straight points to lead 14-12 with two match points.  McM saved one and was serving when SU completed the comeback and won the final set 15-13.

 

Miller's 18 kills led SU's attack while Westberry also had 13.  Denise Pichot led the Mountaineers with 21 assists and Lauren Tharp contributed 19.  Alvillar kept SU alive with 17 digs. 

 

Coach White was ecstatic about the win and the SU fans:  "Unbelievable!  A huge character builder for us going into

 

Photo:  Senior Tiffany Miller lines up for the kill

 

Saturday.  Our home fans have been awesome.  Every timewe've been flustered they have been great and picked us up."  And when asked about Saturday's game against Hardin-Simmons, he said it is simple:  "We win the match, we go to the post-season tournament."

  

Schreiner's playoff hopes will be decided as Schreiner hosts ASC West Division leader Hardin-Simmons at 3:00 pm in Edington in the regular season finale.  Saturday will also be Senior Day as SU honors Miller, Westberry, and Alvillar in their final games in Edington Gym. 

 

PHOTO:  SU Faithful

cheer on game point

 

 

Watch match point and post-game interview with Coach White on SUMountaineers YouTube