SHERMAN, Texas — The Pacific volleyball team split a pair of matches in the Lone Star State on Thursday, falling 3-0 at Austin College before knocking off LeTourneau 3-1 at the Austin College Classic.
 
After falling in the opener to the 'Roos, the Boxers took advantage of two four-point runs in the opening set to top LeTourneau 25-17 in set one. Freshman Karlee Duncan (Bend, Ore. ) and junior Tiare Kaopua (Nanakuli, Hawaii) combined for 14 kills in the first set, including a three-point swing all coming off attacks by Kaopua in the middle of the set.
 
Pacific completed the opening set victory on a kill by sophomore Morgan Mendicino (San Diego, Calif.) and a Yellow Jackets ball handling error.
 
The Boxers took a quick two-point lead in the second set, which included a pair of early service aces by seniors Lia Zablan (Ewa Beach, Hawaii) and Jamie Steach (Pasco, Wash.). Pacific continued its strong play with five-point run that pushed the Boxer lead to 9-2, before needing to fend off a LeTourneau comeback that saw the Yellow Jackets tie the set at 17-17.
 
An attacking error by the Yellow Jackets returned the serve to Pacific and resulted in a Mendicino kill and three straight service aces from Steach to put the Boxers up 22-17. The Boxers closed out the set with a 25-19 victory to take a 2-0 lead in the match.
 
After falling 25-21 in a close third set, Pacific recovered with a 25-18 fourth set victory, led by a strong showing by Kaopua.
 
Kaopua led Pacific with 20 kills against LeTourneau, while Duncan and Mendicion added 13 of their own. Steach notched a double-double with 52 assists and 11 digs, while Zablan and junior Karissa Komo (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii) finished with 14 digs each. The Boxers recorded eight team blocks, including four block assists by junior Kelly Wahl (Richland, Wash.) and freshman Milana Ivokovic (Beaverton, Ore.).
 
Pacific opened the day falling in three sets to Austin College at Hughey Gym.
 
Duncan led the Boxers with 12 kills, while Kaopua notched 11 in the opener. Steach recored 30 assists against the 'Roos.
 
The Boxers continue their stay in Sherman with matches against McMurry and Sul Ross State on Friday afternoon.