Sept. 20, 2003

ARLINGTON, Texas - Senior Melissa Robinett led the The University of Texas at Arlington with 18 kills as the Mavericks defeated McNeese State 3-1 (30-13, 31-33, 30-23, 30-18) in Southland Conference action Saturday evening at Texas Hall.

The Mavericks (5-6, 3-0) took an early 1-0 lead after cruising to an easy game one victory behind the team's .452 attack percentage. Seniors Melissa Robinett and Elizabeth Davis led the way with four kills a piece.

McNeese came out strong in the second game, battling the Mavericks for the lead. UTA pushed its lead to as many as four but the Cowgirls continued to fight, clawing their way back in the game every time. The Mavericks served for game point at 29-28 but a Davis attack error allowed McNeese to tie the game. A Tiffany Rose kill ended game two at 33-31 as McNeese tied the match at one.

In game three, McNeese State led 16-10 before UTA went on an 8-1 run to take an 18-17 lead after a Kim Merrill ace. The Mavericks took the lead for good at 21-20 following a hitting error by MSU's Nicole James.

The Mavericks controlled game four from the start, jumping to a 12-3 lead before McNeese took timeout. The Cowgirls battled back and managed to climb within three of the Mavericks, but were unable to withstand the Maverick hitters as UTA took the game, 30-18 and the match 3-1.

Texas-Arlington continues its homestand next weekend, Friday and Saturday, September 27-28, when Southeastern Louisiana and Nicholls State visit Arlington. Both matches begin at 7 p.m. at Texas Hall.

...utamavericks...