Errors Plague Pirates in Weekend SCAC Action

Errors Plague Pirates in Weekend SCAC Action

SHERMAN, Texas - At times Southwestern was their own worst enemy on the court, but the Pirates managed to pull out a 2-1 decision in SCAC action over the weekend. 

SU opened the weekend against their biggest SCAC competition thus far, #22 Colorado, and couldn't find their rhythm. In set one, Southwestern battled hard but were edged out at the end as they fell 25-23. It was a hit to their momentum and Southwestern couldn't get the offensive firepower going, posting .031 and .000 hitting percentages in the final two sets to fall 25-18, 25-16. Seven blocking errors complicated matters for Southwestern. 

Rachel Thibodeau was the only Pirate in double digits for kills with 13 and had a respectable .233 attack percentage for the match. Chandler Lentz and Kaitlyn Foster took on the bulk of the defensive duties as they recorded 28 and 24 digs, respectively. Strickland also posted 15 digs in addition to her team high 27 assists in the loss. 

There was no rest of the weary as the Pirates turned around to face conference-rival Trinity for their final match of the day. Southwestern got out to a slow start in what turned out to be a marathon first set. With just a .055 hitting percentage SU was edged out and dropped the first set 29-27. 

The Pirates came back blazing to win sets two and three 25-20, 25-21 before struggling to find their attack once again and dropping the fourth set 25-21. SU regrouped and controlled the fifth set the entire way to close out the win, 3-2.

Thibodeau led the attack with 23 kills while Meredith Rollins and Foster were solid reinforcements with 16 kills each. Foster led with 24 digs while Strickland and Lentz were close behind with 28 each. Rollins and Thibodeau also lended a hand defensively, posting 24 and 23 digs respectively. Lorin Froetschel had a strong game serving, recording three aces.

Sunday, Southwestern closed out the weekend against Austin College and wasted no time taking control of the match. The Pirates were just under .200 for a hitting percentage in the first two matches, winning easily 25-19, 25-16. The 'Roos wouldn't go away quietly, however, and put up a fight in the final set, but Southwestern was just too strong as they won 25-21.

Rollins, Thibodeau and Olivia Drummond each posted 12 kills in the win while Foster racked-up 20 digs.

Now 14-6 on the year and 5-1 in the SCAC, they Pirates head out of state to face some tough national competition in Boston, Mass. They open with Tufts at 9 a.m. CST on Saturday and then take on #5 Christopher Newport at 1 p.m. CST.