By Brian Roe, Sports Writer
ACU plays host to the entire Lone Star Conference this weekend at the annual LSC Crossover Tournament in Moody Coliseum. Twelve teams will play 18 matches over the two-day tournament beginning Friday at 1:30 p.m.
The Moody Coliseum courts will be split into two separate courts in order for two matches to be played simultaneously. The first matches of the tournament feature Texas A&M-Kingsville vs. Texas A&M-Commerce on court one and Tarleton State vs. Central Oklahoma on court two.
“The conference and crossover tournaments alternate locations every year, and since we are a centrally located school, we get to host every four years or so,” said head coach Brek Horn.
The Wildcats are 14-1 all-time at the LSC Crossover Tournament, which began in 2000. The team’s only loss came to Central Oklahoma in 2002. ACU will face the Lady Bronchos in their first match of the tournament Friday at 7:30 p.m.
ACU will also play two matches on Saturday at 1 p.m. against Southeastern Oklahoma State and at 5 p.m. against Cameron.
“We will be at home, so we expect to win,” Horn said. “We expect to win all matches on our home court.”
The Wildcats carry a five-game winning streak into the tournament after defeating St. Edwards in three straight games Tuesday in Austin.
Junior middle blocker Amanda Slate led the way with 21 kills and a .622 hitting percentage. Junior outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt finished with 15 kills and junior setter Lindsey Martin added 44 assists in the 30-18, 35-33, 32-30 victory for the Wildcats.
“Amanda just carried us with 21 kills, only two errors and some big serves,” Horn said. “She’s really got her jump serve down and is putting the ball away.”
Slate is second on the team with 188 kills and leads the Wildcats with a .356 hitting percentage. Horn credits Slate’s strong season to her ability to control her athleticism on the court.
“Amanda’s high strung and has a lot of energy during the match,” Horn said. “But the older she gets the more confident she gets. She is finally controlling her athletic ability by channeling that energy and adrenaline.”
Slate and the Wildcats will look to control the LSC South Division when division play begins Thursday at home against West Texas A&M. The reigning LSC South champions and the Wildcats will begin play at 7:30 p.m. in Moody Coliseum.
