BEAUMONT — Senior Kendra Rowland notched 13 kills and led UTSA to a 26-24, 25-22, 25-19 victory at Lamar on Saturday. It was the Roadrunners' eighth consecutive victory (10 of 11 overall) and fifth sweep in their last seven outings.
Redshirt sophomore Kelsey Schwirtlich handed out 31 assists in guiding the Birds (15-9, 9-1 SLC) to a .283 hitting percentage. UTSA received 13 digs from junior Kelsey Jewasko and 11 from senior Megan Schauffele to lead the defensive effort.
The Lady Cardinals (9-12, 5-5 SLC) got 10 winners from Sierra Whittaker but were limited to a .111 hitting percentage on the day. Alex Morford dished out 27 assists and Angel Colyar led the defense with 15 digs.
UTSA broke away in a closely-contested opening set after a winner by sophomore Andee Josserand put the Birds ahead 25-24. Schwirtlich ended the frame with a kill of her own on the ensuing play.
The Roadrunners needed another late spurt to take a two-set lead.
UTSA took a 20-19 lead after a Josserand service ace and the Birds pushed their lead to three (24-21) following a Lamar service error. Two plays later, Josserand chalked up antoher winner off a helper from Schwirtlich to close out the set.
UTSA looked to be in full control in the final frame after jumping out to a 10-3 lead. However, the Lady Cardinals responded with an 11-4 run to tie the set at 14. An 11-5 surge by the Birds ended the match.
The Roadrunners begin a four-match home stand on Thursday, Oct. 28, when Northwestern State (11-11, 2-7 SLC) comes to town. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
