Sept. 22, 2011
Final Stats
Box Score
ARLINGTON, Tex. - Alicia Shaffer and the UT Arlington defense stifled visiting Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in a 3-0 win Thursday night at Texas Hall.
The Mavericks (5-10, 1-0) won their Southland Conference opener 25-19, 25-19, 25-22 by holding the Islanders to a .050 attack percentage. Shaffer's 22 digs led the defensive effort that also featured four blocks from Emily Shearin.
After the match, acting head coach Erin Clute stressed the importance of getting off to a quick start in conference play.
"It's huge," Clute said. "No one wants to start off feeling like they have ground to make up. It's a big deal and we have the luxury of starting at home so you feel a little bit of added pressure to pick up that first win."
Amanda Aguilera turned in a double-double for UT Arlington, tallying 11 kills and 13 digs. Tara Frantz led the Mavs with 12 kills.
Eld-hah Kaswatuka posted eight kills while hitting .375.
Shearin added six digs and three aces to go along with her four blocks.
The two teams played close to the midway point in all three sets on Thursday, but the Mavericks pulled away from the Islanders all three times.
"I thought we bounced back well from some of the mistakes we made," Clute said. "We are not going to play perfect volleyball. I thought we maintained a good level of composure and constantly found ways to earn a side-out."
Shannon Hullum led the Islanders (8-8, 0-1) with 10 kills in the loss.
UT Arlington plays again Saturday at 2 p.m. when it hosts 2010 Southland Conference Tournament champion UTSA at Texas Hall.
