Volleyball hosts Bobcats in key match Thursday
10/27/2010 11:52:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
That's because Sam Houston will be the host school for the tournament.
"With the tournament at our house, we definitely want to be part of the action," Sam Houston head coach Brenda Gray said. "History shows, once you get into the tournament, anything can happen. It's a whole new season."
Past performances bear out what the head coach says. In 14 of the last 15 Southland post-season tournaments, the winner of the event and of the league's NCAA Division I playoffs automatic bid has not been the No. 1.
The Bearkats currently stand tied for the fourth spot in the overall league standings with a 5-5 Southland mark. Eight teams qualify for post-season play and with four of Sam Houston's final six matches at home the volleyball team appears to be in good position for a late season run.
Texas State (14-10, Southland 7-3) is the Bearkats' next opponent. The Bobcats rank third overall in the league standings. Sam Houston lost to Texas State in four sets in their first meeting in San Marcos earlier this season.
Two big promotions highlight the match which starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday October 28.
Thursday is ".99 Cent Menu Night" and "Dig Pink Night" at Johnson.
Student organizations seeking to benefit breast cancer education and awareness, American Cancer Society, Hope Foundation, Colleges Against Cancer and the Breast Cancer Network of Strength will be seeking special pink t-shirts.
Also all all items at the Johnson Coliseum concession stand will be priced at just 99 cents per item.
The match Thursday presents several key matchups. Sam Houston's Carli Kolbe ranks third in the Southland Conference in kills with 310 for a 3.44 per set average. The Bobcats' top scoring threat is Amber Calhoun who leads the league in hitting percentage with 150 kills and a .358 mean.
Junior setter Kym Loving stands fourth in the Southland in assists per game (9.22). The Bearkats' Kim Black ranks third in aces (34) and fourth in blocks (102). Ashlee Hilburn of Texas State is second in the league in blocks (61).
Bearkat libero Kaylee Hawkins stands seventh in Southland action with 3.98 digs per set.
Tickets for Sam Houston volleyball are on sale online at www.gobearkats.com/tickets and at the Bearkat athletic ticket office located in the Ron Mafrige Field House at Bowers Stadium. Ticket office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
