Nov. 1, 2003
THIBODAUX, La. - The University of Texas at Arlington's five match winning streak came to an end Saturday afternoon as the Lady Colonels of Nicholls State University handed the Mavericks a 3-2 loss at Stopher Gym. UTA managed to win the first two games, 30-26, 35-33 before dropping the next three 21-30, 26-30, 12-15. The Mavericks fall to 13-11 overall and 11-5 in the Southland, while Nicholls improved to 12-13 overall and 10-6 in the league.
UTA won game one for the first time in its last four matches, defeating the Lady Colonels 30-26 behind a .300 hitting percentage.
The squads traded points early in game two before the Mavericks pushed their lead to as many as five. Nicholls State, however, clawed its way back to tie the game at 29 on a kill by KaLeigh Butler. The game went back-and-forth from that point on before an Elizabeth Davis kill and a Lady Colonel attack error sealed the game for the Mavericks, 35-33.
Nicholls State forced UTA to come from behind in game three after jumping to an early 14-7 lead. UTA fell behind by as many as 14 in the game but used a 5-0 run paced by Davis to come within 10 late in the game. The Mavericks managed only a .081 attack percentage in the game as the Lady Colonels forced a fourth game with a 30-21 win.
Game four was a battle throughout with neither team leading by more than three until UTA fell behind 25-29. Nicholls State pushed ahead to win the game 30-26 and force the deciding fifth game.
The Lady Colonels jumped on UTA early in game five, forcing the Mavericks to play catch up. After trailing by as many as five, UTA managed to pull within two at 12-14 but it wasn't enough as NSU put the Mavs away 15-12.
Five Mavericks contributed double-digit kills to the attack with Stephanie Miklis leading the way with 19. Caley Smith follwed with 16 while Melissa Robinett was right behind with 15. Elizabeth Davis recorded 13 and setter Heather Dunn completed her first triple-double with 11 digs and 60 assists to go along with her 11 kills.
Davis completed the double-double leading the defensive effort with 21 digs. Dunn and Ashley and Caley Smith all contributed 11 digs while senior Julie Felts hit the floor for 10.
Texas-Arlington returns to action Friday, November 7 when it plays host to Texas-San Antonio for a 7 p.m. match at Texas Hall. The Mavs will close out their final homestand with Saturday's senior night match against SLC front runner Texas State.
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