By Joshua Parrott, Sports Writer

This weekend, the ACU volleyball team gets the chance to play the two teams picked to finish ahead of them in Lone Star Conference South Division, opening tonight on the road against Eastern New Mexico at 8 p.m. and continuing play 6 p.m. to-morrow night at nationally-ranked West Texas A&M.

The 7-4 Wildcats have started the season playing all 11 matches on the road and have dominated their opponents, allowing only one match to go past four games and winning 7 out of 9 neutral matches.

Horn said Eastern New Mexico poises a challenge for her team.

“They’re vulnerable, but at the same time they’ve had a wake-up call,” Horn said. “It’s going to be tough for us because we start LSC play at their place.”

Horn said freshman outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt has played well beyond her years. She leads the team in kills (154), kills per game (3.85) and service aces (23). She also ranks third on the team in digs (83). She was also named all-tournament at both the Texas Womans’ Tournament and last weekend’s Chap Classic.

“I think she has the fastest arm swing of anyone on our team,” Horn said. “A lot of times she puts the ball away with authority.”

Horn said the weekend is going to be a learning experience for her team.

“If we could take one of the two matches I would be pleased,” Horn said. “I don’t want to sound negative, but you need to be realistic about your goals.”

The Wildcats play their first home match of the season 7 p.m. Tuesday at Moody Coliseum against non-conference opponent St. Edward’s.