By Daniel Johnson, Sports Editor

The Wildcat volleyball team nearly finished its perfect weekend on the road with its first loss to a Lone Star Conference North Division team since 2003. But the Wildcats were not willing to let their hard work go to waste.

“It was a pride thing,” said head coach Kellen Mock. “We’re proud of the record we’ve had in the past and are going to uphold our end of the bargain.”

ACU finished its weekend at the LSC Crossover Tournament in Kingsville Saturday undefeated after a come from behind victory over Texas Woman’s.

After being down 2-1, the Wildcats rallied to win the remaining two games to finish with their third consecutive win of the tournament. The win extended ACU’s overall Crossover tournament record to 26-1 and was the Wildcats 18th straight against a North Division team.

Outside hitter Abbie Lowry led the team with career-best 24 kills, while outside hitter Erin Curry had 13 of her own. Setter Ericka Dickenson set up Lowry, Curry and the rest of the Wildcats, finishing with 50 assists during the victory.

Prior to the win on Saturday, ACU dominated its first day of action with three game victories over both Midwestern State and Southwestern Oklahoma State. Lauren Leone, who was named LSC South Offensive Player of the Week, led the Wildcats in the two matches with 33 kills and hit .604 in the two matches.

After losing their first conference game against West Texas A&M on Sept. 30, Mock said the Wildcats observed and fixed their weaknesses and it showed in their performance at the tournament.

“It says a lot about our team to play so big on the road,” Mock said. “We served better, our defense was much more consistent and we were more effective at delivering the ball and putting it away.”

The Wildcats are 13-8 overall and will begin their second half of the season Thursday against Tarelton State in Stephenville. ACU is 4-1 in conference play, their only loss to the nationally ranked West Texas A&M.