Volleyball Heads to the Lone Star State for the SMU Invitational

A&M-Corpus Christi will conclude its non-conference schedule at the SMU Invitational. The Islanders are on a two-match losing streak after dropping two of three matches at its Islander Classic last weekend. The Islanders are averaging 13.23 kills per set with a .248 hitting percentage on 11.29 assists per set. They have registered 59 total aces this season (1.69/set) and account for 1.53 blocks per set (53.5 total). 

Outside hitter Kyndal Payne is the offensive leader with 3.56 kills per set (121 total), adding seven aces, 15 blocks, and 2.56 digs per set. Setter Belle Morgan averages 8.67 assists per set and has 37 kills on the season and outside hitter Tori Arrington leads the team at the net with 15 blocks, which includes nine solo blocks. Libero Kayla White has a team-high 3.60 digs per set and 11 aces.

LSU has swept A&M-Corpus Christi in each match, with the last occurring in 2018.

Texas Tech started the season with a 4-0 start but has fallen in three of the following five matches, including the last two at North Texas (3-2) and at Abilene Christian (3-1). The Red Raiders are hitting .173 from the floor with 12.00 kills per set but have held opponents to an overall .138 attacking percentage thanks to 3.03 blocks per set (109 total). Texas Tech’s total blocks are the third most in the NCAA, and the team ranks No. 7 in the country in blocks per set.

TTU has four players with 20 or more blocks this season, including outside hitter Brynn Williams, who leads the team with 3.67 kills per set (132 total) and has five aces to add to her 20 blocks. Middle blocker Kate Hansen has an impressive 49 blocks this season (1.44/set) to lead the team, while setter Reese Rhodes follows with 35 blocks and a team-high 8.83 assists per set. Katelyn Cochran also has setting duties and has averaged 7.60 assists per set this season in 15 sets played.

Despite dropping the last two meetings, the Tigers hold an 8-6 edge over the Red Raiders. Saturday will be the first time the two clubs have played each other since 2000.

SMU is on a two-match losing streak after a pair of four-set losses to then No. 20 Purdue and No. 21 Houston. Overall, SMU has played four nationally ranked programs this season, including a 3-2 win over then No. 14 Baylor on Sept. 6. The Mustangs have gathered a .204 hitting percentage on 12.37 kills and 11.37 assists per set. They have 28 aces on the season and average 2.03 blocks and 15.60 digs per set.

Outside hitters Natalie Perdue (3.00 kills per set) and Naya Shime (2.70 kills per set) lead the Mustangs with 81 total kills. Shime also has 21 blocks this season. Middle blocker Emma Clothier has a team-best 33 blocks (1.10/set) and is second on the team with 71 total kills (2.37/set). Setter Celia Cullen leads the way with 9.43 assists per set (283 total), and libero Brooke Frazier has a team-high 3.31 digs per set.

LSU is on a two-match winning streak after defeating SMU 3-2 in 2018 and 3-1 in 2004, both in Dallas, Texas.