SAN ANGELO, Texas – The No. 3 Angelo State University volleyball team saw its run in the Lone Star Conference Championship Tournament come to an end Friday night, falling to St. Edward's in five sets (20-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-20, 16-14) in the semifinal round at the Junell Center-Stephens Arena.
The loss moves the Belles to 28-2 overall after a historic regular season that saw Angelo State finish 17-0 in conference play and claim its first undefeated LSC campaign since 1984.
Julia Hopkins led the Belles offensively with 15 kills, while
Alli Kirkpatrick added 14 and
Sydney Thornton contributed 11. Hopkins also recorded 11 digs and three blocks, while Kirkpatrick added seven digs and two blocks.
Hannah Barnhill anchored the defensive effort at the net with a team-high seven blocks, including one solo block, and added two kills.
Allie Duitsman paced the Belles with 23 digs, while
Madi Parrish and
Gabi Ashcraft each recorded 12 digs. Ashcraft also led ASU with 30 assists and
Olivia Pena added 14 assists and two service aces. Duitsman finished with a team-high three service aces.
Angelo State opened the match with back-to-back set victories, taking the first 25-20 before earning a 25-21 win in the second. The Belles held St. Edward's to a .069 hitting percentage in the opening set and followed with a .290 mark of their own in the second to take a 2-0 lead.
St. Edward's responded in the third set, claiming a 25-22 victory before hitting .317 to force the deciding fifth set with a 25-20 win in the fourth. The Hilltoppers carried that momentum into the final frame, edging the Belles 16-14 to secure the five-set victory and a spot in the championship match.
Angelo State finished the match with 59 kills, seven service aces, nine blocks and 89 digs while hitting .181. St. Edward's recorded 65 kills and hit .217, while both teams finished with 89 digs.
The Belles now wait for the NCAA Division II Volleyball Selection Show will air on Sunday evening.
