SAN ANGELO, Texas – The No. 5 Angelo State University volleyball team closed out its regular-season home schedule in dominant fashion Saturday, sweeping Lubbock Christian 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-20) in ASU's annual Dig Pink match at the Junell Center/Stephens Arena. The victory extended the Belles' winning streak to 17 matches and kept them unbeaten in Lone Star Conference play.
With the win, the Belles improved to 25-1 overall and 15-0 in conference action with the win, while Lubbock Christian fell to 12-14 and 8-8 in the LSC.
The Blue and Gold controlled the opening set from the start, jumping out to an early lead before pulling away for a 25-16 victory. ASU continued its momentum in the second, using a balanced offensive attack to secure a 25-17 win and take a 2-0 match advantage.
Lubbock Christian put together a stronger effort in the third set, but the Belles maintained control down the stretch to close out the sweep with a 25-20 decision.
Julia Hopkins and
Madi Parrish paced the ASU offense with 17 and 16 kills, respectively. Hopkins hit .412 for the match, while Parrish posted a .433 hitting percentage and added 10 digs and two service aces.
Sydney Thornton contributed five kills while leading the Belles with four blocks.
Alli Kirkpatrick also recorded five kills while hitting .455, and
Hannah Barnhill added two blocks.
Gabi Ashcraft finished with a match-high 23 assists, while
Olivia Pena added 11.
Allie Duitsman led the defensive effort with 12 digs, followed by Parrish with 10.
As a team, Angelo State recorded 46 kills while hitting .279, compared to Lubbock Christian's 28 kills and .091 hitting percentage. The Belles also held advantages in assists (43-28), digs (52-45) and service aces (6-2). Both teams finished with seven blocks.
The Belles will close out the regular season on the road next weekend, traveling to face Texas A&M-Kingsville on Friday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. before taking on Texas A&M International on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 2 p.m.
