Bobcats Clamp Down on Cardinals in Five-Set Thriller

So, say that Texas State hypothetically takes the first two sets against Lamar in a rocking Strahan Coliseum. The Bobcats are dominating the front of the net, are in attack mode, and are completely in sync with their fellow teammates. Lamar looks timid as dig attempt after dig attempt goes flying into the crowd as they can't handle a volley of scorching Bobcat spikes. The Lamar players are in complete disarray and are experiencing so much miscommunication that a simple tap over the net by Texas State lands between four dumbfounded Cardinal players.

Easy money picks Texas State to win the third set, right?

Not so fast.

After a slate of intense matches where the Bobcats went into five sets at McNeese State and had their second set against UT-Arlington turn into a 41-39 slobberknocker, Texas State saw their two-set lead disappear in a hurry. Questionable officiating, mental errors and visible frustration on the part of the Bobcats led to Lamar grabbing momentum and taking advantage, as they won the next two sets by capitalizing on Texas State's mistakes. In those third and fourth sets, Lamar looked the part of a dominant team capable of beating any team in the Southland Conference at any time, and any timidity they displayed in the first two sets disappeared. As a result, a feeling of unease started to permeate Strahan Coliseum and some fans may have started to reminisce on the bad memories produced during a 5-set Central Arkansas loss.

However, in the fifth set, the Bobcats got their groove back as they won 15-9. Mo Middleton, who finished with 15 kills on the match, took over the game with help from Jessica Weynand. The Bobcats also put forth some eye-popping numbers in that set; Texas State shot a .529 attack percentage and put their folly-filled third and fourth sets behind them as they committed zero errors. Lamar once again looked timid on defense as the 'Cats brought the heat and the Cardinal defenders saw their occasionally poor digging techniques work against them once again. While the Bobcats looked far from perfect throughout the match, especially in the second through fourth sets, it's safe to say that Texas State looked the part of a championship team in the final go-around.

Texas State will close out their home slate against Sam Houston State on Saturday in Strahan Coliseum. The Bobcats will be looking to avenge a 3-1 loss to the Bearkats that came earlier this year in Huntsville. It will also be a great chance for the 'Cats to tie SHSU in the Southland standings and put themselves in great position to secure a 1 seed in the SLC tournament with a victory. Sam Houston State still has to face undefeated Central Arkansas next week, while Texas State's toughest match should come against 5-8 UTSA.

You can listen to the SHSU match on txstatebobcats.com. Pregame starts at 3:45 pm, and tip-off is at 4 pm.

-Will Butler, KTSW Sports Director/Blog Editor