By Brian Roe, Sports Writer

The volleyball team evened its record to 4-4 by winning three out of four matches last weekend in a tournament in Pueblo, Colo.

ACU split its Friday matches but finished off the tournament by defeating CSU-Pueblo in a stunning come-from-behind victory.

Coach Brek Horn said the difference between the Colorado tournament last week and the opening tournament in Kansas City was intensity and preparation.

“We played with a lot of enthusiasm and really showed character in last game,” Horn said. “Besides our low-emotion match against Colorado-Colorado Springs, I’d say we had a pretty good weekend.”

The weekend was highlighted by sophomore outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt, who set a career high with 31 kills against CSU-Pueblo.

The Wildcats worked on game situations in practice this week. For example, the starters all lined up on one side of the net, while the other players lined up on the opposite side. The team went through various drills working toward a certain goal. If the starters did not reach that specific goal during the drill, then all of the starters had to run.

This drill was used to focus importance on winning pressure points and building a stronger mental game, Horn said.

“Those kinds of drills are important because they are similar to game situations,” Horn said. “Those drills help the starters focus on winning service points, on winning points against the serve and on challenging all aspects of their game. I make them run because I believe if there is no punishment, there is no challenge.”

Horn said the team did rise to the challenge last weekend in the comeback match against CSU-Pueblo.

“Hopefully it will cause some momentum for our home matches this week,” Horn said.

The Wildcats will play home matches Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m.