KINGSVILLE – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros volleyball team beat the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas 3-2 in an exhibition match on Saturday at Gil E. Steinke Physical Education Center-Kingsville Hampton Inn Court.
 
All five sets went to 25 points and they decided to play all five sets in advance, regardless of the outcome.
 
The Vaqueros have been focusing on improving their serve-receive and blocking defense this spring, and the results were evident in the match.
 
"We definitely felt like we performed better in those areas than we did all fall," Vaqueros head coach Todd Lowery said. "It was nice to see we're getting better."
 
The Vaqueros got their first look at freshman Barbara Silva, who joined the team in January, in a match, and whether it was at middle blocker or outside hitter, the results were good.
 
"We liked what we saw from Barbara her first time," Lowery said. "She definitely shored up the block and is getting connected with the centers."
 
Sophomore Bojana Mitroviuc and junior Alisha Watson had strong outings offensively.
 
Sophomore Tina Sekulic and freshman Dubravka Vukoja split time at setter and performed well.
 
Lowery was also pleased with the play of junior Fatoumata Dacosta, who he says continues to get better and comfortable at the libero position.
 
The Vaqueros close out the spring season when they compete in a tournament at Texas State on April 16.

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