LAKE CHARLES, La. – McNeese State claimed a 3-0 midweek volleyball contest over TSU Tuesday night.
McNeese State jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in set one but TSU answered with a 4-2 run to get within 6-4 led by redshirt sophomore Amber Johnson's two kills. McNeese responded with a 7-1 run of its own for a 13-5 lead before freshman Taryn Stafford's block ended the run. TSU outscored McMeese State 5-4 from that point but was outscored 8-2 as McNeese State claimed set one 25-13.
TSU shook off the set one loss and battled to the end in set two as McNeese State couldn't shake the Tigers off early on. Down 15-11, Stafford had a pair of blocks to spark a 4-1 rally to get within 16-15. Both teams traded a pair of points but TSU overcame the deficit and tied the contest at 19-all after consecutive kills from sophomore Brea Rutledge and Johnson. Two kills from senior Thalia Cordero Moreno sparked a late surge as TSU took a 23-21 lead McNeese State scored four straight to overcome the deficit and claim a 25-23 lead.
TSU would fall behind 7-1 in set three but couldn't create the same momentum in set two as McNeese State maintained a sizable lead throughout the set en route to a 25-14 decision.
Johnson led TSU with eight kills while Stafford had a season-high five blocks. Redshirt sophomore Dallas Balanay-Flores finished with 15 assists and 14 digs.
TSU is back in action Friday at 1 p.m. at Oklahoma.
