By Jared Fields, Sports Editor

Coaches and members of the media selected two ACU senior volleyball players for Lone Star Conference pre-season honors. Outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt received the South Division Player of the Year, and middle blocker Amanda Slate made the preseason first team.

Bernhardt edged out Slate by receiving eight of 16 votes, as Slate received seven votes. Bernhardt led the Wildcats with 4.45 kills per game, and Slate was second on the team with an average of 3.41 kills.

Both seniors say they like the expectations put on them this year.

“The expectations come with the job,” Bernhardt said. “We’re excited, and I think both of us are ready to step up to the challenge.”

The two seniors helped lead ACU to a 28-8 overall record, the LSC Championship, and the school’s first NCAA post season appearance.

Head coach Brek Horn said she’s glad that her two star seniors play for her.

“It’s amazing that I have two players getting that kind of recognition,” Horn said. “Their leadership is what’s going to carry us.”

ACU was also unanimously picked to win the LSC South Division this year receiving all 17 first-place votes. This is the first time that ACU has began the season ranked No. 1 in the division.

“Up until this year we’ve always been underdogs, and we’ve worked our way up,” Horn said. “It’s nice being No. 1 and having everyone trying to knock you off. We knew coming into the year that it was going to be tough, and we’re ready for that challenge.”

Even with all the hype, the players said their performance is all that matters.

“You’re nothing unless you can prove it on the court,” Slate said.

The Wildcats will be able to prove themselves this weekend at the Tampa Classic, in Florida. The team will play two top-10 nationally ranked teams and another tough regional foe. The Wildcats’ first game is Friday at 7 p.m. against Tampa University.