ABILENE, Texas — The Howard Payne University volleyball team extended their winning streak to six matches after a convincing three-set victory over Dallas Christian College in a neutral site affair hosted by McMurry University on Tuesday, September 22. The Lady Jackets closed out its non-conference schedule with a 25-13, 25-15, 26-24 sweep of the Crusaders at Kimbrell Arena.
The Yellow Jackets improved to 7-1 on the season behind a balanced offensive effort led by Sam Torres and Sydnie Mullens, who recorded eight kills each. Torres hit .368 and added six digs, while Mullens contributed eight service aces and seven digs.
Howard Payne controlled the opening two sets from the start, taking the first 25-13 before using a dominant serving run in the second set to build a 14-1 advantage on the way to a 25-15 win.
Dallas Christian made things interesting in the third set, overcoming an early deficit and building a lead late in the frame. The Crusaders held a 24-23 advantage before the Yellow Jackets responded with three consecutive points. Abby Henderson delivered the match-clinching kill to complete the sweep.
"I am very proud of the grit and determination that the girls have been displaying lately," Head Coach Amy Farber Teal said.
Henderson finished with six kills, while Kyla Rodriguez added four kills and hit .667. Addison Roden paced the offense with 11 assists, Chloe Waller recorded seven assists, and Jadyn White chipped in eight digs and two aces.
Howard Payne outperformed Dallas Christian in kills (38-21), aces (10-3) and digs (54-37), while holding the Crusaders to a .106 hitting percentage.
Jamie Maddy and Kinsley Jackson led Dallas Christian with five kills apiece. Zoelley Herrera finished with 10 assists and nine digs, while Sierra Sibley recorded a team-high 10 digs.
UP NEXT: The victory sends Howard Payne into American Southwest Conference play with a 7-1 overall record. League play begins on Thursday, September 24 as the Lady Jackets travel to Marshall, Texas to face #12 East Texas Baptist. First serve is set for 6:00 p.m. Central Time.
