sports
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The University Star - 15
Volleyball takes on Nicholls State Thursday in Strahan By Eric Harper Sports Reporter The Texas State volleyball team suffered a three-point loss in the fifth set to drop its last home match against Central Arkansas Oct. 14. The Bobcats will return to Strahan Coliseum to take on Nicholls State and Southeastern Louisiana Thursday and Saturday. Nicholls State has an overall record of 9-12, 3-4 in the Southland Conference and is tied for third in the East Division. The Colonels have recorded upset wins against Stephen F. Austin and McNeese State but have lost their previous two matches against Lamar and Sam Houston State. Nicholls State has recorded a 2-5 record on the road and have been outhit by an average of .199 to .189 per match overall. Texas State has won 29 of the 37 matches against Nicholls State in the history of the series. Coach Karen Chisum said the Bobcats must play hard
to match the energy of the Colonels. “We have to be prepared to work,” Chisum said. “Nicholls State is a blue-collar team. They just outwork people.” Southeastern Louisiana was ranked 11th in the SLC preseason polls. The Lions got off to a quick start in SLC play with wins over Nicholls State and Northwestern State. Since then, the Lions have lost their last five matches and now stand at 6-12 overall, 2-5 in the SLC. Southeastern Louisiana has a 4-5 record in eight road matches this season. The Lions have been outhit by an average of .189 to .133 per match overall. Texas State has taken 29 of 37 matches from Southeastern Louisiana, including a nine-match win streak over the Lions. Chisum said despite the Lions being one of the weaker teams historically, they have shown promise at times this season. Chisum said the Bobcats can-
not overlook the match. “We have to respect them and play hard,” Chisum said. Texas State goes into the weekend with a 10-12 overall record and a 4-3 mark in the SLC. The Bobcats are tied for fifth in the SLC and third in the West Division. Chisum said this weekend’s matches are critical for the Bobcats to try and compensate in the SLC race. The Bobcats have won seven of nine matches at Strahan Coliseum this season. Texas State is hitting .191 per match overall. Amber Calhoun, sophomore middle blocker, leads the Bobcats and ranks fifth in the SLC with a .291 attack percentage. Chisum said with the standings close and the season going into the final stretch, the Bobcats are placing high importance on all of their matches. “Every match is the most important match going forJake Marx/Star file photo ward,” Chisum said. “We have TEAM HUDDLE: The Bobcat volleyball team will take on Nicholls State and Southeastern Louisiana to prepare for each match as 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Strahan Coliseum. if it’s our last.”
They had to adapt to a different surface and played a high, intense game of 110 minutes.” Texas State has three remaining home games to try maintaining its undefeated conference record. The Bobcats have already faced Southeastern Louisiana, the second-best team in the Southland Conference. Their final three games are against Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston State and Texas-San Antonio, which are third, fifth and fourth in the SLC, respectively. Texas State faces off against
the SFA Lumberjacks Friday. The only team SFA has lost to this season is Southeastern Louisiana. SFA has the most balanced team in the conference with four players totaling 12 or more points and 51 percent of their shots being on target this season. Sam Houston State comes to town Sunday and brings another threat onto the West Campus Soccer Complex. The threat is midfielder Kirby Zak, who has six goals and eight assists on the season. The Bearkats took
Women’s soccer battles Lumberjacks, Bearkats By Cameron Irvine Sports Reporter
Public Service Announcement courtesy of The University Star.
The Texas State women’s soccer team returns to action Friday with a perfect record still intact. The Bobcats came home with a tie Sunday despite inclement weather and a strong opponent. “After Friday’s game, I was happy as the players overcame not just our opponents, but also the environment,” said Coach Kat Conner. “Of course I wanted the win (Sunday), but I was extremely proud of our players.
Southeastern Louisiana to overtime as well, but fell 2-3. Britney Curry, junior forward, is first in the SLC with 15 goals in 16 games. Erica Michaud, sophomore forward, is tied for fourth in the SLC with seven goals overall. Michaud said the Bobcat offense, after posting zero goals in Sunday’s match, will be itching to put any number beside zero on the maroon and gold board this weekend. “To score, it takes a lot of effort and you must never give up,” Michaud said. “When I get
inside the 18-yard box, one thing is on my mind and that is to score. When teammates score, it makes me want to score even stronger.” The Bobcats have had the No. 1 record in the SLC since the opening weekend of conference play, which, according to Curry, has left a big target on their backs. “I know there’s going to be a fight going into every match because we are the team to beat,” Curry said. One factor that could help the Bobcats win is the fans. Texas
State fans lead the conference in attendance for the year, averaging 427 per game. “We are definitely glad to be home, but have our work cut out for us, as each team coming in is a threat,” Conner said. “We will need to work on our rhythm so we can keep possession and find the seams to get in behind. I hope to see the students, faculty and staff come out and support these young women as they battle for a championship right here at home.” Games are slated for 7 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Sunday.