Texas State Volleyball: 2009 Southland Conference Tournament Champions

The Texas State Bobcats defeated the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks in four sets to claim the Southland Conference Tournament Title. Texas State was led by junior Mo Middleton, who had 18 kills in the championship game. Middleton also recieved the award for being the tournaments Most Valuable Player. Jessica Weynand and AJ Watlington also were in double digits with 12 kills apiece. Senior setter Brittany Collins had a great day as well, as she setup her teammates numerous times 40 on assists. Weynand and Melinda Cave also were named to the SLC All-Tournament team.

In the first set, the Bobcats came out strong early as they scored 6 before the Lumberjacks even registered a point. However, the Lumberjacks battled back into it as they were led by sophomore M.C. Battles, who had 4 kills while senior Palomona Buckner led in assists. For the Bobcats, Melinda Cave recorded 4 kills and Brittany Collins recorded 8 assists. Texas State held off the Ladyjack run and won the set (25-20). The lead changed twice in that set.

In the second set the Ladyjacks came on strong early, and put the Bobcats into a pretty deep hole by scoring six unanswered points. The Bobcats continued to fight, and rallied back to beat the Lumberjacks by the score of (25-20). The teams both played well around the ball and the experienced seniors for both sides really stepped up.

The Bobcats coming into the 3rd looked to sweep the Lumberjacks and take home the SLC Title, but were stopped when the Lumberjacks put up a fight and won. As a result, this forced a 4th set to be played. Senior Ashley Bailey recorded ten kills and delivered the final blow to take that set (25-23). MC Collins was the team leader in kills with 18 throughout the set.

In the fourth and final set the Bobcats and Ladyjacks were locked in a tough battle in the beginning, but the Bobcats took control and never looked back. AJ Watlington scored the clinching point to give the Bobcats the Championship.

This is the Bobcats fourth title in five years and the sixth title for Texas State. The Bobcats last tournament title was in 2007 against SFA.

-TJ Ladusky, KTSW Sports Staff Writer