After opening conference play with two wins, the University of St.Thomas-Houston women's volleyball team currently sits at 8-5, 4th in the SCAC. Conference play continues this weekend at home with matches against Southwestern and Texas Lutheran. Friday night's match against Southwestern at 6:30 in the JAAC, students, fans, and staff are encouraged to pack their boots and dress western to support the team. Fans will also be treated to an open Nacho Bar as well as a prize for being the biggest fan and loudest Celt in the stands!
"It's been awhile since we have been at home, and we had a large crowd opening day that helped us to a win," Head Coach Keanne Burt added. "The support from our campus and students has been a huge part of our success, and we hope to see and hear you in our gym this weekend!
High-Flying Offense Leads the Way
Throughout this season, Celt Volleyball has gotten key contributions on offense from all over the court. As a team, the Celts rank in the top half of the SCAC in kills per set (12.41) and hitting percentage (.197). That offense has been led by standout sophomore Audrey Cataline, second in the SCAC in individual kills per set (3.58). Cataline is one of only two players to rank in the top 10 in the conference in both total kills (183, second) and total digs (182, tenth). Seniors Laynee Beam and Trinity Atkins, along with sophomore Karrington Kays, shoulder the rest of the offense, combining for 277 kills on the season. Junior Kendall Howard and sophomore Mia Medina have been valuable supporting contributors as well, ranking fifth and seventh in the conference in total assists with 256 and 243, respectively.
The Celts have also gotten some nice help from junior Ally Peters and freshmen Brenna Groenemann and Alexis Bodunrin thus far. Peters is third in the conference in service aces with 20. Groenemann is hitting a sparkling .523, while Bodunrin has contributed all around with 43 kills, 28 digs and 15 blocks.
Celts Anchored by Stout Defense
The Celts rank second in the conference in total digs (979) and third in total blocks (80) entering conference play. Junior Kara Spice paces both the team and conference with 299 total digs and 5.86 per set so far. Karrington Kays, in addition to her offensive contributions, ranks seventh among individuals in the SCAC in blocks per set with 0.90.
Volleyball looks to improve on their 6th place finish in the SCAC in 2022-23 by building on their strong start to conference play this season. Come out to the JAAC this Friday night at 6:30 and Saturday at 1 and 6 PM to support your Celts!
