Junior Kendra Rowland posted her ninth double-double of the year on Saturday.SAN ANTONIO
— UTSA fell behind 2-0 for the second match in a row, but unlike Thursday night when it rallied for victory, the Roadrunners were unable to come back and Sam Houston State held on for a 25-22, 25-19, 21-25, 12-25, 15-7 victory on Saturday afternoon.
UTSA (7-12, 2-3 SLC) began its comeback after intermission and never trailed in picking up a four-point victory. Momentum continued to be on the Roadrunners' side and they cruised to an easy 13-point triumph one frame later. The Birds hit .326 in the stanza while keeping the Bearkats in red type (-.027).
However, UTSA's rally fell short in the fifth-and-deciding set, as Sam Houston State (13-10, 5-1 SLC) jumped out to a 4-1 lead and scored six of the final seven points to win its fourth contest in a row.
Outside hitter Kendra Rowland posted her second double-double of the week and ninth of the year with a season-best 22 kills and 17 digs. Four other Roadrunners— outside hitters Elise Huskey and Whitney Walls and middle hitters Briana Mason and Stefanie Robbins added nine winners, while setter Vickie Mundell dished out 39 assists.
Defensively, libero Kelsey Jewasko collected 23 digs, while Huskey and defensive specialist Megan Schauffele added 15 and 14, respectively. Mason picked up five blocks (1 solo/4 assists) to lead the Birds at the net.
Sam Houston State received a match-high 24 kills from Anna Ferguson and the Bearkats middle blocker committed just two errors on her 47 swings, which translated to a .468 hitting percentage. Carli Kolbe added 14 winners and Michelle Miller dished out 45 helpers. Kaylee Hawkins controlled the back row with a match-best 26 digs.
UTSA concludes its three-match home stand on Wednesday, Oct. 14, when it hosts McNeese State (14-5, 2-3 SLC) at 7 p.m.