By Brian Roe, Sports Writer
The Wildcat volleyball team will look to freshmen Abbie Lowry and Liz Snoddy to continue their rookie success when ACU opens post-season play Friday in Lawton, Okla., at the Lone Star Conference Post-Season Tournament.
The two surprise performers of 2004 will be key elements for the Wildcats, who are ranked No. 26 in the nation.
Lowry, an outside hitter from Flower Mound, finished fifth on the team with 182 kills while playing in 67 games and averaging 2.72 kills per game, finishing third best on the team behind juniors Amanda Slate and Michelle Bernhardt.
Head coach Brek Horn said she knew Lowry had talent, but she is now starting to play with confidence.
“Abbie has turned herself into an offensive presence for us,” Horn said. “She is hitting the ball well, and our players have confidence in her.”
Snoddy, a back-row defensive player from Arlington, played in 96 games during the regular season, had 237 digs, and her 2.47 digs per game was fourth best on the team.
Horn said Snoddy is a good communicator and vocal on the court even though she’s a freshman.
“Liz worked out all summer with Kellen Morrow and I think learned a lot from her,” Horn said. “If you watch her on the court she is very vocal and has played with that steady confidence since day one.”
Lowry said she’s just happy to have an opportunity to contribute to the team.
“I definitely feel fortunate to play this much during my freshman year,” she said. “I’m just glad that my teammates and coaches have faith in me.”
Snoddy said she focuses on playing well for her teammates, especially for the seniors.
“This is their last year and we want to make sure we play hard for them,” she said. “It’s important to play with confidence and have confidence in each other.”
Junior setter Lindsey Martin added that she’s comfortable around the two first-year players.
“I’m really impressed with both of them,” she said. “I know when I set Abbie the ball she’s going to do something good with it. Liz has really added a missing piece in a position we needed help at.”
If the Wildcats win the conference tournament, they will be guaranteed a spot at the Southwest Regional Tournament in Carney, Neb. on Nov. 18-20.
