Scorpions Defeat Loyola University New Orleans for First Victory of Season
Posted September 27, 2008
HOUSTON -- The UTB/TSC women's volleyball team was finally smiling after defeating Loyola University New Orleans, 3-1, Saturday, September 27 at the Jerabeck Athletic Center on the campus of The University of St. Thomas.

Prior to the victory, the Scorpions lost to St. Thomas, 3-1. The Scorpions are now 1-12 for the season.

"Call the zoo, the monkey is finally off our backs," Scorpion head coach John Barnes said. "Now we can focus on the little things to make us more efficient."

The Scorpions lost to St. Thomas, 16-25, 16-25, 25-23, 25-13, before beating Loyola, 27-25, 25-17, 23-25, 27-25. The first 12 matches of the season have been tough for the Scorpions, who participated in the NAIA National Tournament in 2007.

"It was hard-fought and we hung in there," Barnes said. "This is a step in the right in the right direction. Hopefully the win will give us some confidence."

The Scorpions face Texas A&M University-Kingsville on the road Tuesday, September 30 before returning home for their first two  matches at the Manuel Garza B. Gymnasium this season Friday and Saturday, October 3-4.

St. Thomas 3, Scorpions 1

Katie Japp had 10 kills to lead the Scorpions, while Lesly Montes and Jenny Soto had 11 digs each. Setter Chelsea Spadaro had 26 assists.

The Scorpions had their season high total in aces with six, two each by Japp, Spadaro and Jeanne O'Leary.

Scorpions 3, Loyola University 1

Everything finally worked well for the Scorpions, who had nine double-digit statistics by six players. UTB/TSC had its highest total of the season in defensive statistics with 73 digs in the four sets.

Japp and O'Leary had double-doubles, with Japp getting 17 kills and 11 digs, while O'Leary had 11 kills and 12 digs.

Spadaro came within one dig of a triple-double, getting 10 kills, 32 assists and nine digs. Anayeli Trevino had 16 digs and Montes 12.