VOLLEYBALL: YellowJackets give UMHB a scare, succumb 3-1 in a competitive match

BELTON, Texas - The LeTourneau YellowJackets came up a bit short in their efforts to duplicate Thursday's come-from-behind win when they traveled to Mary Hardin-Baylor on Friday, falling to the Crusaders 3-1 in a hard-fought match.

Scores of Friday's match were 25-16, 25-16, 19-25 and 25-20.

Shana Evans (Gladewater, Texas/Gladewater) led all players in the match by tallying 16 kills for the YellowJackets. Evans enjoyed a career evening as her 16 kills and .467 hitting percentage were both personal collegiate bests.

Jo Runnels (Channelview, Texas/Channelview) knocked down 13 kills for the YellowJackets and finished the match with a .296 hitting percentage - her best totals since LeTourneau's match at Centenary on Oct. 4.

Jessica Zabojnik (Burleson, Texas/Burleson) led the LeTourneau defensive effort with 21 digs, while Brooke Sheranko (Spring, Texas/Oak Ridge) tallied 26 assists for the YellowJackets.

The Crusaders were led by Kadie Cochran, who knocked down 14 kills. The Cru moved closer to clinching second place in the American Southwest Conference's East Division with the match win.

The Jackets found themselves in a similar situation to the one they were in Thursday, when they rallied from an 0-2 deficit to stun Mississippi College at home at Solheim Arena. With their backs against the wall, the Jackets fended off the sweep by controlling game three and taking a six-point victory.

The YellowJackets play their final home contest Tuesday when they host Piney Woods rival East Texas Baptist at 7 p.m. The Jackets will conclude their season next weekend at the Millsaps College Tournament.