WTAMU dropped its first match in 64 days as No. 10 Angelo State came into the WTAMU Fieldhouse and took the LSC Tournament title with a four-set, 27-25, 25-27, 19-25, 22-25, victory on Saturday night.
The Lady Buffs see a 19-game winning streak come to an end while suffering only their second home loss on the year.
WTAMU (25-4), which is a lock for the NCAA Tournament and has a chance to host the South Central Regional, will find out the complete field during the selection show at 6:30 p.m. on Monday.
The Lady Buffs opened the tournament hot getting sweeps of Lubbock Christian (25-17, 25-22, 25-17) in the quarterfinals Thursday and a semifinal sweep of Dallas Baptist (25-20, 25-16, 25-22), on Friday night.
However, after picking up a first set win against the Rambelles (28-2) took over in the second and never relinquished momentum.
Amarillo High graduate Currie Marusak chipped in 12 kills while Ainsley Malis dished out 41 assists to go along with 14 digs. Canyon graduate Bryli Contreras was all over the court with 30 digs and five assists in the loss.
Becker, Malis and Contreras were named to the LSC All-Tournament Team.
ASU’s Madi Parrish was named Tournament MVP finishing the match with 18 kills to go with eight digs and three blocks.
Lady Buffs see multiple LSC honors
The Lone Star Conference regular season champion Lady Buffs garnered multiple recognitions on Wednesday night during the postseason banquet.
WTAMU first-year head coach Brittany Harry claimed her second LSC Coach of the Year honor as she guided the Lady Buffs to an unbeaten league record during her first season on the sideline in Canyon.
Harry earned the league’s highest honor at Texas A&M International back in 2022.
Hereford graduate and WTAMU middle blocker Taytum Stow was tabbed the league’s Defensive Player of the Year for a second time. Stow currently ranks 21st in the nation in blocks per set (1.28) while sitting 31st in total blocks (118) and 47th in attack percentage (.353).
Outside hitter Emma Becker took All-LSC first-team honors while setter Ainsley Malis not only went over 3,000 career assists Thursday, but was also recognized for her efforts in the classroom as the senior was named to the LSC All-Academic Team with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Malis was also selected as an honorable mention selection alongside fellow senior Angelina Oliver.
Kaycee Cavanaugh was named Co-LSC Freshman of the year as well as to the All-LSC second-team with Bryli Contreras, Camy Jones and Currie Marusak.
