North Texas Daily

By Courtney Anderson

The Mean Green volleyball team began its regular season with the North Texas Challenge tournament on Friday. North Texas (1-1) received its first win followed by its first loss of the season after not being able to upset Ohio State University.

Game One: North Texas 3, the University of Nevada 2

The women got off to an admirable start versus Nevada in the first set, gaining an early seven point lead. After struggling to keep their attempted kills inbound, the Mean Green quickly lost their lead, and ended up getting behind 18-16 at one point.

After a quick timeout called by head coach Andrew Palileo, North Texas rallied and eventually defeated the Wolf Pack 25-23.

In the second set, there was no proximity of the team’s scores. The Mean Green gained an early 4-0 lead that only grew from there, ending with a 25-12 victory in the second set.

Unlike the previous set, the third set was a constant battle. North Texas held a slim 25-24 lead going into the last final points, but crumbled under pressure, losing their first set of the year.

“Nevada did some really good things to adjust themselves,” Palileo said. “We just didn’t adjust back quick enough.”

Nevada managed to force a fifth and final set, but North Texas took the lead early on and kept it throughout. Senior Amy Henard’s serves and the rest of the Mean Green held the Wolf Pack in check before coming away with a 15-7 match victory.

No. 15 Ohio State 3, North Texas 0

The Mean Green was not as lucky in their game against the Buckeyes, and were unable to pick up a single set victory before succumbing to defeat.

The first set was similar to how North Texas played against Nevada with long rallies between the two teams and a close score the entire time. Ohio State prevailed with a score of 25-23. The second set was a struggle from the start for the Mean Green as the Buckeyes came away with a 25-17 win.

“We should have done better about keeping the ball in play instead of hitting it so hard,” junior middle blocker Holly Milam said.

The third match was a back and forth affair until Ohio State shifted gears and pulled away, sweeping North Texas 3-0.

“We’re the only team playing four times,” Palileo said. “We need to get these kids rest and get them off their feet so they can be ready for tomorrow.”

Next up: The Mean Green host Texas State University at 11:00 a.m. and No. 16 Texas A&M University at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 to round out the last day of the North Texas Challenge tournament.