TYLER, TEXAS - The UT Tyler volleyball program dropped a Lone Star Conference matchup to West Texas A&M on Friday night, falling in four sets at the Herrington Patriot Center. The Patriots took the third set in convincing fashion but were unable to complete the comeback, falling 25-21, 25-16, 12-25, 25-18.
UT Tyler moves to 15-4 overall and 6-3 in Lone Star Conference play following the loss, while West Texas A&M improves to 11-9 overall and 6-3 in conference action.
The Patriots finished with 43 kills on a .150 hitting percentage and recorded 43 digs and 12 total blocks. Kailey Manes led the defensive effort at the net with seven block assists while adding eight kills without committing an attack error. Miley Myers paced UT Tyler offensively with 10 kills, while Makhai Lewis contributed six kills and four total blocks.
West Texas A&M opened the match with a 25-21 victory in the first set despite a late push from the Patriots. UT Tyler battled back from an early deficit and eventually evened the score at 17-17 after consecutive points helped the Patriots regain momentum. The teams traded points through the middle stages of the set before the Buffaloes created separation late to secure the opening frame.
The second set proved challenging for UT Tyler as West Texas A&M built an early advantage and maintained control throughout the frame. The Buffaloes used a strong stretch at the service line to extend their lead, leaving the Patriots to battle from behind. UT Tyler showed some fight late, but West Texas A&M closed out the set 25-16 to take a 2-0 advantage in the match.
UT Tyler responded emphatically in the third set, delivering its strongest performance of the night to keep the match alive. The Patriots established control early and continued to build their lead with timely kills and a strong defensive presence at the net. After holding a 13-5 advantage, UT Tyler continued to apply pressure and stretched the margin to double digits. The Patriots limited the Buffaloes to just 12 points in the set, earning a dominant 25-12 victory.
The Patriots looked to force a deciding fifth set in the fourth frame, but West Texas A&M responded with a decisive run midway through the set. UT Tyler remained within reach early, trading points with the Buffaloes before the visitors began to pull away. The Patriots continued to battle, but West Texas A&M maintained its advantage and secured the match with a 25-18 fourth-set victory.
UT Tyler returns to the Herrington Patriot Center on Saturday, Oct. 17, to host Eastern New Mexico at 2 p.m. The Patriots will look to bounce back in front of their home crowd and get back in the win column in Lone Star Conference play.
