WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Texas Wesleyan University (1-3) faced tough competition over the weekend, suffering defeats in both matches. On Saturday, the Lady Rams were defeated by Keiser University (2-1) in a 3-1 match, with set scores of 22-25, 14-25, 25-18, and 19-25. They followed that up with a straight-set loss to Indiana Wesleyan University (2-2), falling 0-3, with set scores of 25-19, 25-19, and 25-20. Throughout the matches, Texas Wesleyan showcased strong individual performances despite the overall results.
In Game One, Texas Wesleyan opened the first set with dynamic plays from
Migdaly Bernal, who recorded two early kills to level the score at 3-3. The team's momentum continued with
Faith McClellan and
Florencia Churin each contributing crucial kills, bringing the score to a tight 10-9 in favor of the Rams. The set saw a series of back-and-forth exchanges, with Texas Wesleyan capitalizing on defensive blocks from Churin and
Loes Peijnenburg, which helped them regain a slim lead at 12-10. However, Keiser managed to pull ahead, closing the set at 25-22.
In the second set, Keiser seized momentum with a series of kills, quickly establishing a significant lead. Despite strong responses from McClellan and Peijnenburg's defensive efforts, the Rams struggled with several attack errors, leading to a 25-14 finish for Keiser.
Texas Wesleyan regained its footing in the third set, taking early control and going on a significant 6-0 run. Key blocks from
Madison Grekstas and
Haley Fojtik helped push the score to 9-3. The Rams maintained their lead through effective attacks and solid defensive stops, ultimately closing the set at 25-18.
In the fourth set, Texas Wesleyan initially scored with a kill by McClellan but faced a quick shift in momentum as Keiser surged to a 5-1 advantage. The Rams battled back, narrowing the score, but ultimately fell 25-19, concluding the match.
McClellan contributed significantly with 15 digs and 10 kills, achieving a .300 hitting percentage. Grekstas matched her offensive output with 10 kills, while
Lillian Breaux posted 17 assists and two service aces. Fojtik was a defensive force at the net, accumulating six block assists.
In Game Two, Texas Wesleyan opened the first set with a resilient start, leveling the score at 2-2 following a kill by McClellan and a block from Peijnenburg and Grekstas. The Rams took a brief lead at 5-3, but Indiana Wesleyan pulled ahead with a 5-0 run, eventually winning the set 25-19.
The second set saw Texas Wesleyan battling from behind. Despite early challenges, the Rams responded with kills from Bernal and Peijnenburg. However, the Wildcats capitalized on errors to extend their lead, clinching the set 25-19.
In the third set, Texas Wesleyan started strong with a 3-0 lead, but Indiana Wesleyan quickly tied the score. The teams exchanged points, with the Wildcats eventually taking control and securing the set at 25-20.
Peijnenburg led the Rams against Indiana Wesleyan with seven kills on 13 attempts, finishing with a .462 hitting percentage and five blocks. McClellan added seven kills and five digs, while
Neeley Rutledge provided defensive support with eight digs. Breaux facilitated the attack with 16 assists.
The Rams return home as they host the Texas Two Step on August 28 & 29 as they welcome some of the top teams in the country.
