By Joshua Parrott, Sports Writer

The ACU volleyball team returns to the court this weekend to take on both St. Mary’s (TX) and St. Edward’s in two road matches.

The Wildcats took on Midwestern State Tuesday, but results were unavailable at press time. ACU, 11-9 overall, won two of three matches in last weekend’s Lone Star Conference Crossover Tourna-ment, opening with a 3-0 win over Southeastern Oklahoma Friday but losing 3-0 Saturday to Central Oklahoma. The Wildcats closed the weekend with a 3-2 win over Cameron.

Freshman outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt said the loss to UCO was a productive one for the young Wildcats.

“Against Central Oklahoma we fell apart and didn’t play our best game,” said Bernhardt, who had 35 kills on the weekend. “We did a great job of recognizing that and turning it around against Cameron.”

Junior Haylee Hartline ranks second on the team with 287 kills and posted a team-high 46 kills in last weekend’s matches, including 27 in Saturday’s win over Cameron.

“She has taken all of us under her wing,” Bernhardt said of Hartline. “We would not be as successful without her help.”

In their first home match of the season, the Wildcats struggled in a five-game loss to St. Edward’s. That dropped them to 7-7, but ACU has won four of six matches since then.

Players like Ashlee Motola said they feel fortunate to be part of a young team, despite the adversity from a lack of experience.

“Not only do I feel blessed to be on this team, but I have made 11 new best friends,” said Motola, freshman middle blocker. “I think our team has no limits, and I have never played on a team with such a love for the game.”

The Wildcats take on St. Mary’s in San Antonio Friday and St. Edward’s in Austin on Saturday.