ACU pulled out a close win on Saturday in New Orleans, giving the lady Wildcats their second conference win of the season. The record for the Wildcats improved to 6-13 and 2-9 in Southland conference play. ACU managed to win in straight sets but with little room to breath. The Wildcats won each set by three points or less, 25-23, 28-26 and 25-22.
“It was good to get a chance to put a game away and have that good solid feeling that we finished,” head coach Kellen Mock said. “I feel good we were able to close out and finish strong even with each set being so close.”
ACU gained a boost on offense from freshman outside hitter Dorothy Swanson. Swanson dominated at the net scoring 17.5 points and also adding five block assists. Mock believes that Swanson can make a huge impact on the team even as a freshman.
“She’s a solid player and a spark plug for us, she’s got a live arm and got the opportunity this weekend to shine,” Mock said.
The Wildcats also received help from blockers Lexi Mercier, who had four blocks and Neely Borger, who had six blocks. The recent success at the net has led to ACU being first in the Southland in blocks per set at 2.45.
“Our middles are so good and so consistent and a really big factor in our game,” freshman Dorothy Swanson said. “A lot of our success so far can be attributed to that.”
Sophomore Sarah Siemens continues to lead the Wildcats in assists by adding 27 more in Saturday’s game. Sophomore Madison Hoover also continued adding to her great season by digging out 15 attacks as well.
The Wildcats have five games remaining with only three more Southland opponents. They also return home to play their final two home games of the season this week. Thursday they will play Northwestern State at 7 p.m. and Saturday they will play Stephen F. Austin at 2 p.m.