The Wildcats opened up conference play Thursday and Saturday with two impressive wins against UIW and Texas A&M Corpus Christi.  

Lindsey Toney, sophomore outside hitter and right side for the Wildcats feels that playing those tough pre-season games has helped her team as a whole. 

“Being 2-0 in conference so far is a huge confidence booster after our preseason,” Toney said. “We played some pretty tough teams in preseason but knowing how we flow as a team under pressure now has been very helpful to stay grounded against harder offenses and defenses.”

On Friday, the Wildcats hosted the UIW Cardinals and beat them in straight sets.

The first set was close as the Wildcats won 26-24, the second set was a little more comfortable winning 25-13. The last set was back and forth for a long time, but they clinched it winning, 27-25. 

Kennedy Shelstead, senior middle blocker for the Wildcats had nine kills and four blocks.

“This is amazing. Just for the fact that it’s our first home game and it’s our first win in three.” Shelstead said. “This is the first time we have ever swept them and that’s amazing feeling going into Corpus just to have that momentum and to have that energy it’s amazing for us. We thrive off energy and we do great when we have all of that.”

The second game of conference play was against Texas A&M Corpus Christi. 

The Wildcats beat the Islanders 3-1. In the first set, the Wildcats took the lead winning 26-24 but lost momentum in the second set losing 19-25. They brought the energy back in the third set and won the third and fourth set 25-23 and 25-22. 

Toney got her second double double on the season in the win Saturday. 

“Having my second double-double this season is super exciting for me knowing I can help the team to get wins, and I think for me it really helps seeing everyone else working hard and it motivates me to work harder too,” Toney said. 

The Wildcats head to McNeese to take on the Cowgirls Thursday at 6:30 p.m..