By: Sierra Taylor, Managing Editor
TWU’s Pioneer Volleyball Team has played a strong season with only three losses, putting them in a three-way tie for first place in the Lone Star Conference.
Coach Shelly Barbaree expressed her excitement with the season so far: “We’ve had a great season, I mean we’re 14 and 3 right now, so it’s one of the best starts we have ever had. It’s been a fun season. After 17 games we have 14 wins, that’s good, we’re really proud of that.”
According to TWU Athletics website, on Oct. 7 the volleyball team faced off against St. Mary’s University at Kitty Magee Arena and won 3-0. On Oct. 9 they won against Texas A&M Commerce 3-0.
Barbaree added: “Commerce is a good team and we swept them. Any team in our conference can beat any team that particular day because we are all so close in skills. So to come out of a conference game with a win is something we’re excited about.”
The volleyball team is set to play on the road against Tarleton State Oct. 16 in Stephenville and Angelo State on Oct. 17 in San Angelo.
Barbaree said: “This coming weekend we play the two teams that we are tied for first, Angelo State and Tarleton State. Tarleton is who we lost to earlier in the season, so this weekend is a big weekend for us.”
With the school year in full swing, seasons changing, and a strong lead in the conference the current main focus of the team is keeping everyone healthy, according to Barbaree. She stated that the Lady Pioneers have all the talent to win the conference, they just have to keep their players healthy.
Barbaree shared, “I think that is one thing that sets us apart, the teams in our conference have an outstanding player that we have to slow down. The difference with our team is that everyone is at a high level. Our girls that are out there, hitters that are out there, our defense, we have more weapons that just one player.”
According to Barbaree, Makayla Mayfield got five aces in a recent game, Hilary Shaffer had 15 kills, and Mallory Kuechle has a high hitting percentage for this season.
Barbaree concluded, “I think the thing that has improved the most over this season is our team chemistry. Overall the chemistry has gotten so much better on and off the court that it just helps the camaraderie of the team.”
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