By Daniel Johnson, Sports Editor

A three-peat.

That is what the Wildcat volleyball team is after as it competes for the program’s third-straight Lone Star Conference Championship in Lawton, Okla., this weekend.

“Their success is in their hands,” Mock said. “The success of the season is reflective of their character.”

ACU is heading into the tournament after finishing second in conference with an 8-2 record. Before the tournament, the Wildcats dropped two spots to No. 4 in the South Central Region.

In addition to the program’s eighth winning season in a row and a high regional ranking, the Wildcats had six players given all-conference awards.

Leading the way is LSC South Player of the Year Abbie Lowry. The outside hitter was named Player of the Year on Wednesday after leading the Wildcats in the regular season with 454 kills and an average of 4.48 kills per game.

“Abbie consistently puts away balls, and I think she is the biggest offensive threat this entire season,” Mock said.

Lowry was also named outside hitter for the LSC South first team and is joined on the first team by middle blocker Lauren Leone. In addition to Lowry and Leone, libero Liz Snoddy, defensive specialist Malia Plumlee, setter Erica Dickinson and outside hitter Erin Curry all received honorable mentions.

“We’re in a situation right now where it is time to capitalize on everything we’ve been doing well and bring it all together,” Mock said.

One of the things the Wildcats have been doing well is scoring from the outside. Mock said that both Lowry and Curry have answered the call numerous times when needed and she will rely on them in the LSC tournament.

In addition to intensity on the outside lines, Mock said she is appreciative of the maturity level of freshman setter Erica Dickinson.

“Erica has grown up so much and has really become our quarterback on the court,” Mock said.

Dickinson is eighth in the LSC in assists with 960 and an average of 9.41 assists-per-game, and contributes to the attack with 40 kills.

The Wildcats return to the Lone Star Conference tournament, despite losing three all-American players and having a first-year head coach. But Mock said all of the credit belongs to her players.

“Unfortunately it’s out of my hands,” Mock said. “These girls are ready to pull together.”

ACU began the tournament on Thursday against Texas Women’s and must win twice to reach the finals.