Javelinas make history

Blue and Gold earns No.1 seed in LSC tournament

The Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) volleyball team completed the first-ever undefeated regular season in program history, after winning all four sets against St. Mary’s University. 

Several players had a great deal of accomplishments in some Lone Star Conference action, including junior, Emily Witt who showcased 42 assists and 24 digs to lead all players, and the TAMUK women’s volleyball team completed its first ever perfect regular season at 12-0 by defeating the St. Mary’s Rattlers, 23-25, 25-16, 25-21, 25-20 on Saturday afternoon in Lone Star Conference action at Bill Greehey Arena in San Antonio, Texas.

Tanya Allen, head women’s volleyball coach, expressed her excitement after a 12-0 season finish. 

“Ayanna Jackson and Kailey Estrada both did a great job attacking out of the middle tonight,” Tanya Allen told Javelina Athletics. “That really opened up our offense. I’m so proud of these young women. 12-0 is an incredible accomplishment.”

The blue and gold never lost sight of their goal during all four sets. 

Witt completes a regular season in which she logged a double-double in every match she played in and her 24 digs were a new season-high. Sophomore Kelsi Luckenbach (Calallen, Texas) led all players with 14 kills and freshman Ayanna Jackson (San Antonio, Texas) and junior Kailey Estrada (San Antonio, Texas) both tallied 12 smashes while each hit over .400. Junior Nicole Murff (San Antonio, Texas) contributed 19 digs, with senior Roxanne Morris (Goliad, Texas) adding 15 scoops and sophomore Jordan Schenkel (San Antonio, Texas) putting up 11.

Morris, senior outside hitter, said she has loved every minute representing the blue and gold. 

“Being a senior has had its perks, but I love the family and unity we have built as a program.This season is just an unreal feeling,” Morris said. 

Overall, the program itself has remained on a high with a perfect performance coming out of a rather difficult year. 

Bryce Earl, middle blocker, said she is so proud of the hard work their team has put into this season. 

“It is an amazing feeling to know our hard work has paid off; I am so proud of knowing we did that,” Earl said. 

The Lone Star Conference officially released its bracket for the LSC Tournament on Wednesday evening and the No. 8 Texas A&M-Kingsville women’s volleyball team was granted the tournament’s four No. 1 seeds.