The Wildcats wrapped up the Omaha Classic on Saturday. ACU lost all three games over the weekend, but could have easily taken one if not all the other games.
The first match came against the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The Wildcats dropped all three sets in a row (25-13, 25-22, 25-22), but stayed within striking distance in games two and three. The Wildcats held a strong advantage in aces 6-2, but were unable to get any blocks to fall as they did not register a single one the entire game.
Against the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the Wildcats came within two points of earning their first win of the season, falling 3-2 (25-23, 15-25, 17-25, 25-21, 15-17). Sophomore Jacey Smith led ACU’s attack with 21 kills and sophomore Kendall Bosse dished out 40 assists.
ACU took on the Coyotes from the University of South Dakota in the final match of the tournament. The Wildcats got off to a slow start, but managed to win the third set, forcing a fourth set for the second consecutive match. However, South Dakota took the fourth set and and a 3-1 victory. (18-25, 15-25, 25-18, 22-25). The ladies were able to fill out the stat sheet again, even recording more block than the Coyotes 8-7, but hit under .200 in both games one and two.
Smith converted 51 kills over the weekend and sophomore Lauren Walker had 10 blocks, as the Wildcats continue to fill the voids left from last year’s seniors.
The Wildcats will host the Mavericks from UT-Arlington in their home opener on Tuesday. The Mavericks have already played Southland Conference rivals Sam Houston State and McNeese State this season, winning 3-2 and 3-1 respectively.