MALIBU, Calif. – Fairfield University Volleyball hung tough for three sets with Texas A&M on Saturday at the Pepperdine Tournament in Malibu. However, despite the Stags fighting off four match point chances in the third frame, the SEC's Aggies completed a 3-0 sweep of Fairfield by set scores of 25-16, 25-21 and 26-24.
 
Playing in her home state of California, Joelle Battles represented the Stags on the All-Tournament Team. The rookie averaged 2.45 kills per set with four blocks and five digs this weekend against Texas A&M, Pepperdine, and California Baptist.

"Overall, this was a great trip for our team. We learned a lot about ourselves and competed well against a couple of national powers," said Head Coach Todd Kress. "I'm glad we pushed through and got 12 quality sets out of the trip. This group is committed to getting better after experiencing a great learning curve both on and off the court this weekend."
 
In today's action, the Stags were paced offensively by seven kills apiece from Laura Seeger and Julia Kallen. Kaylie Butts added five finishers from the middle and Battles contributed four. Mayda Garcia chipped in with three kills on three swings, and Manuela Nicolini ran the offense from the setter position with 29 assists.
 
In the back row, Jamie Calandro posted a team-high nine digs, followed by eight for Nicolini and six from Morgan Doll. At the net, Butts, Battles and Seeger each had a hand in two of Fairfield's four blocks.
 
Rounding out the Stags scoring, Doll landed a pair of service aces with Seeger, Luci Albertson and Maddy Jerdonek each dropping in one.
 
The SEC's Texas A&M Aggies were led by nine kills on .467 hitting by Camille Conner. Conner flirted with a triple-double, as she dished out 26 assists and posted 10 digs. Camila Gomez led all players with 11 digs. The Aggies controlled the action from up front, with 12 team blocks. Treyaunna Rush and Makena Patterson were each a part of six rejections with Hollann Hans getting a piece of three.
 
Next weekend, Fairfield kicks off the home portion of the schedule with two matches on George Bisacca Court at Alumni Hall. The Stags host Northeastern on Friday and 6 p.m. and NJIT on Saturday at 11 a.m. Fairfield will conclude the weekend across town at Sacred Heart for a 6 p.m. meeting on Saturday.