CANYON, Texas (October 5, 2024) – Despite missing kills leader Kiana Fallaha, who entered the match ranked second in the Lone Star Conference, Lubbock Christian University pushed No. 9 West Texas A&M in two tight sets but ultimately fell in straight sets (17-25, 23-25, 24-26) in Saturday's "Rivalry on the Range" at WTAMU Fieldhouse. The Lady Buffs secured the Lone Star Conference victory, overcoming LCU's resilient effort.
 
The loss ended LCU's two-match win streak dropped Lubbock Christian's record to 6-8 overall and 2-2 in LSC play. The Lady Chaps offense was paced by Payton Murray, who finished with 14 kills on the day, and by freshman Jade Workman, who had 12.
 
Game Notes
» Payton Murray had a team-high 14 kills for Lubbock Christian. She has produced at least 10 kills in three consecutive matches and four of her last five contests. She leads LCU in kills (52) in conference play (3.86 per set).
 
» WTAMU was LCU's first nationally ranked (top-25) opponent they have faced this season.

» Ramsey Clark had a team-high two aces in the loss, which matched a career high.
 
» Lubbock Christian got a team-high 34 digs from Kayton Genenbacher.

» Lubbock Christian received a career-high 12 kills from Jade Workman, who also provided a block.

» WTAMU had 15 kills from Currie Marusak (.520) and 12 kills from Taytum Stow (.526), who each had an attack percentage over .500. The Lady Buffs had an attack percentage of .250, but outside Marusak and Stow, the Lady Cuffs combined for a .074 attack percentage.
 
» The Lady Chaps dropped to 14-37-1 all-time against West Texas A&M after the 53rd meeting between the two programs. The Lady Buffs have now won four consecutive matchups and seven straight meetings in Canyon, where LCU holds a 5-21 all-time record.
 
» LCU is now 2-5 this season in true road matches.
 
How It Happened
SET 1 | The Lady Chaps found themselves in an early deficit, losing a tough first set 25-17. Lubbock Christian trailed 8-7 before WTAMU went on an 11-3 run to take the 1-0 match lead. Workman and Bryleigh Schweer co-led LCU with three kills in the set.
 
SET 2 | Lubbock Christian then lost the second set 25-23 to fall behind in the match two sets to none. LCU rallied from a 21-16 deficit with a 5-0 run to tie the set 21-21. The set was tied 23-23 before a pair of Lady Chap attack errors allowed WTAMU to win the set. Workman (6) and Murray (5) combined for 11 of LCU's 15 kills in the set.
 
SET 3 | Lubbock Christian was not able to win the third set and was swept by West Texas A&M. The Lady Chaps dropped a close set, losing 26-24 in a stanza that was tied six times and had three lead changes. LCU had a 20-17 slip away, as a 7-1 WTAMU run had the Lady Chaps facing a 24-21 deficit. They responded with kills from Schweer, Bickley and Murray to tie the set 24-24. The Lady Buffs avoided a fourth set with kills from Marusak and Angelina Oliver.  
 
WHAT'S NEXT
LCU finally heads home and will have their home opener Friday at 6 p.m., as they will host Texas A&M Kingsville inside Rip Griffin Center.