For the first time in eight seasons, the Bearkats are off to a 3-0 start in Southland Conference play.
They started out their season with an overall 1-4 record and have since won five of their last seven matches, including wins against SLC rivals Lamar, McNeese and Nicholls State.
“We are now connecting on levels that we failed to connect on in preseason,”junior outside hitter Deveney Wells-Gibson said. “Our communication has increased, and most of all, we are all having fun when on the court.”
Sam Houston State defeated Nicholls State last Thursday in three sets, and then defeated McNeese State in three sets on Saturday.
The Bearkats 25-23, 25-16 and 25-19 set wins over the Colonels came after falling behind early in each match.
“We could’ve panicked, but these girls have such a good resolve about them,” head coach Brenda Gray said.
The Bearkats went on to oust the Cowgirls 25-21, 26-24 and 25-13.
SHSU led on the offensive firepower from Wells-Gibson who totaled 19 kills on 39 attempts. She committed only four errors to give her a solid .385 hitting percentage for the game.
Senior middle blocker Haley Neisler chipped in 10 kills on 22 attempts, while freshman middle blocker Shelby Genung added eight kills. Senior setter Tayler Gray assisted on 44 of the Bearkats’ 51 kills.
She said she felt the team was extremely focused and is treating every game as if it’s a championship.
Brenda Gray said she is excited about the improvement she has seen in the team over the season.
“We’d love to see everyone come out and support us this week.”
The Bearkats continue their conference schedule in Johnson Coliseum with two home games.
They will take on Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Thursday at 7 p.m. before squaring off against Houston Baptist Saturday evening at 7 p.m.