After fast starts in games one and two, No. 17 Texas A&M had to hang on to earn a 30-20, 30-19, 25-30, 30-28 win over Illinois State in the Wisconsin InnTowner Classic Saturday at Wisconsin Field House.Later in the day, Illinois State took a 30-26, 30-27, 30-27 decision from the University of Montreal in an exhibition match.
Jenny Kabbes led the Redbirds, 2-3, with 12 kills and Erin Jones, who made the all-tournament team, added 11 kills and a team-high 13 digs. A&M, 5-0 and picked to finish second in the powerful Big XII Conference this season, out-hit the Birds .235 to .099 behind A.D. Achilefus 16 kills and 13 more by Laura Jones.
Illinois State seized the momentum in game three. The Birds trailed 21-17 in game three before an Emily Kabbes kill, some scrappy defense and Jones tough serves got ISU even at 21-21. Ashley Grubbs first collegiate kill was an overpass to give ISU the lead 22-21 and Jones served four more points to put ISU in command. Jenny Kabbes had 6 kills in 10 attempts in that game. Both Grubb and sophomore Amber Rogers came off the bench to give the Redbirds a lift, and coach Sharon Dingman appreciated their efforts.
We know what Ashleys capable of. She took great swings and played with poise, said Dingman. I love Ambers energy. She loves to play and never takes playing for granted. Thats something that other players can see and pick up on.
A&M looked like it wanted to put the match away early in game four, but the Birds wouldnt wilt. Trailing by as many as six, ISU rallied to earn ties at 25-25 and 26-26. Kills by Laura Jones and Munsch got A&M ahead 29-26, but the Birds responded on a Jenny Kabbes kill and an Aggie error to get within 29-28, but Munsch dropped a floater to get A&M the match.
Dingman thought game four was an even better battle than game three.
In game three, they made some errors and helped us get the momentum, said Dingman. But A&M picked it up in game four and responded to our energy. But we responded to them as well and I thought that made game four even more impressive from our perspective than game three.
Three Munsch service aces helped the Aggies take an 8-1 lead in game one which grew to a 10-point lead before the Redbirds got going, cutting the lead to six twice. Game two was tied nine times, the last at 15-15 before A&M put together an 8-1 streak to pull away. Achilefu had eight of the Aggies 16 kills in the second game. Dingman wasnt happy in the locker room after game two.
Basically, we said that we thought we were better than 30-19, said Dingman. In fact, it was a good old fashioned butt chewing. I think we needed it because we have to understand that complacency on the court doesnt cut it. Im pleased with how we responded on the court.
Dingman gave Jones and Jenny Kabbes the exhibition match off and played a lineup loaded which usually featured four freshmen. One of the rookies, Lindley McDavid, led the Birds with XX kills. Montreal had a 17-15 lead in game three when an all-freshman front line of McDavid, Laura Doornbos and Grubb fronted for a six-point service run by classmate Emily Kabbes to put the Birds back on top.
The Redbirds return home to play defending NCAA Champion Stanford, the nations No.1-ranked team, at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Redbird Arena.
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NOTE TO MEDIA: The time for the Tuesday Football/Volleyball Media Conference has been changed. Starting Sept. 10, the conference will begin with football at 1 p.m. and volleyball at approximately 1:20 p.m. in the Kaufman Football Building.
