Chanticleer women’s volleyball falls to Bobcats

CCU volleyball suffered their first loss in the Sun Belt conference on Sunday, Oct. 1, falling to Texas State 25-27, 21-25 and 22-25 in straight sets.

CCU had three aces, 24 kills, 24 assists, 39 digs and 11 blocks.

Junior Sydney Avis held the three aces and 15 of the teams 39 digs, while junior Leah Hardemen lead the team with seven kills along with 10 digs. Freshman Aristea Tontai added two solo blocks, four block assists and one kill for the Chanticleers.

Texas State ended the night with 44 kills, 51 digs, eight aces and five blocks.

Sophomore Amy Apfughaupt had three aces, 12 kills and nine digs. Senior Jaliyah Bolden had 12 kills of the team's 44 kills. While Sophomore Megan Porter had 11 kills.

Assistant Coach CJ Allard commented that, while Texas States scrappy playing may not show well in statistics, it was enough to bring down the Chanticleers.

Allard said that they went into the game excited and focused coming off of three back-to-back wins. While they knew that each point would have to be earned, they weren't prepared for how much the hitters went behind the setter.

This is shown by the amount of kills they had over the Chanticleers.

Allard says the lost is going to show in practice with the girls being as mad as ever.

"They don't lose often, much less at home,” said Allard. “They're ready for practice and to prepare for the next week's games."

In the past three seasons, Coastal Carolina has only lost three times in conference home games, boasting a 23-3 record.

While the 3-0 loss is a not something the Chanticleers are used to, it brings back their focus.

Allard talked about how losing can be used as a motivational tool when a team is so dominant.

"We are human and we can lose,” said Allard. “Sometimes it just takes an unfortunate reminder."

The loss pushes the Chanticleers to 6-7 on the year and 3-1 in conference play.

The Chanticleers continue their five-game home stand with a match against Georgia Southern on Friday, Oct. 6.

The match is set to begin at 6:30 p.m.