The Javelina Volleyball (7-5) team hit the road last week for back-to-back game days and back-to-back losses. The first match was Friday, in Denton, Texas, against the Pioneers of Texas Woman’s University. The Javelinas were defeated, 2-3.
Saturday, the Javelinas went to Texas A&M University-Commerce in Commerce, Texas, to battle the Lions. The Javelinas were swept, 0-3.
The ladies hold a Lone Star Conference record of 2-2. There is no room for anything but improvement and focus because the conference is extremely competitive, coaches said.
“The Lone Star Conference [on the road] has always been tough. It’s definitely going to be a battle going into these two matches,” said Joe Morales, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator days before the matches.
For senior, Madison Brabham, traveling on the road can be difficult, but has advice for her team. “As long as we keep our minds straight, we will go in and do fine. Straight business and forget about all the difficulties about traveling,” Brabham said.
Morales sees improvement happening with the team.
“Pretty impressed with our defense, especially our libero, who’s been doing a really good job at that position and as a freshman, too. Our ball handling skills have gotten skills a little bit better and our athleticism as well,” Morales said.
The only returners from last season are seniors Haley Hutchinson and Brabham, who play a large role in the success of the early season. Hutchinson is the block leader and Brabham was named the Offensive Player of the Pre-Season.
“I think Haley is going to get our blocks and I think Madison is going to be very aggressive,” Morales said days before the matches.
There were also high expectations for freshman Nicole Murff going into the weekend. Murff raked up 147 digs for the Javelinas thus far. “Serve and serve receive,” Murff said. “If we serve well, that’ll make our defense easier. When we have a great serve receive, we execute on the first play,” Murff said.
The Javelinas are back on the road today, Sept. 20, in Austin to battle the St. Edwards University Rams.
