By Brian Roe, Sports Writer
The Wildcat volleyball team will look to take sole possession of first place in the Lone Star Conference South Division Thursday when they travel to San Angelo to play Angelo State at 7 p.m. in the Junell Center.
San Angelo and ACU are currently tied for first place in the LSC South Division with each team owning a 4-0 conference record.
The Lady Belles improved their record to 17-4 and 4-0 in the LSC South Division this season with a three-game sweep over Tarleton State on Saturday. The Wildcats inflated their record to 18-6 and 4-0 in the LSC South Division by dismissing Texas A&M-Kingsville 3-0 Saturday.
ACU and ASU have several ties, most notably with Wildcat head coach Brek Horn. Horn graduated from Angelo State University in 1996. She amassed numerous awards during her tenure at ASU including academic all-Lone Star Conference and the Nathan’s Jewelers Award as team MVP in 1994 and 1995. Horn also helped lead ASU to the LSC championship in 1992 – the last time the Lady Belles advanced to the post-season.
“It was a little awkward when I first came back here because they played in the same gym that I played in, but now there’s a new gym,” Horn said. “I enjoyed my time at the university and the friendships I made there. But now the only thing I’m concerned about is beating them.”
The Lady Belles are the surprise team of the LSC South in 2004. ASU was picked to finish fourth in the division, while the Wildcats were picked to finish second; one position behind West Texas A&M.
Lady Belles head coach Kathleen Brasfield, who coached Horn when she played at ASU, spoke highly of ACU before the season.
“Abilene Christian returns a strong group of very athletic players who had a tremendous spring season and … have a great shot at unseating West Texas A&M,” Brasfield said.
For now, the Wildcats will focus on ASU. If ACU wins Thursday the team takes sole possession of first place in the LSC South Division.
“ASU is playing well, but this is a game we should win,” Horn said. “We are working and we will be prepared on Thursday.”
