Oct. 27, 2011
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ARLINGTON, Tex. - Alicia Shaffer turned in 31 digs on "Dig Pink" night and helped UT Arlington rally to beat Sam Houston State 3-1 Thursday night at Texas Hall.
The Mavericks dropped the first set before bouncing back for an 18-25, 25-15, 25-19, 30-28 victory.
"I think our intensity has carried over all the way from our match against Texas State (last week)," UT Arlington coach Diane Seymour said. "That is just something we are talking to them about. In the last few weeks the biggest thing for us to do is play with as much intensity and stay aggressive in everything that we do and let the chips fall where they will. I think it is showing in our play."
Early in the fourth set the match seemed destined to go five. The Bearkats led 17-8 before UT Arlington (9-16, 5-6) started chipping away. Finally, after four missed opportunities on match-points, Eld-hah Kaswatuka notched her 16th kill to put away Sam Houston State.
Kaswatuka's 16 kills left her one shy of tying her career high. She also turned in her second consecutive double-double by tallying 11 digs and hit .438.
Amanda Aguilera led the Mavericks with 17 kills. Tara Frantz added 10 as well as five blocks.
Amanda Welsh spread out the offense, dishing out 49 assists. She also finished with nine digs.
Shaffer and the defense helped turn the tide in the match, however. The Bearkats (13-11, 7-4) hit just .096 after hitting .250 in the first set.
"I am really glad that I played so well on `Dig Pink' night because I kind of see it as my night since all I do is dig," Shaffer said. "I just think this is a night I can help for breast cancer. I can get statistics for my team and fundraise for the cause."
Shaffer was not the only Maverick playing stellar defense. Emily Shearin matched her career high with 10 blocks, helping UTA to a 13-6 advantage in blocks.
For Sam Houston State, Carli Kolbe led the way with 19 kills and 21 digs. Haley Neisler and Kim Black added 15 and 14 kills, respectively.
UT Arlington returns to the court Saturday when it hosts Senior Day at Texas Hall. The mavericks will take on Stephen F. Austin with first serve scheduled for 2 p.m.
