The SMU volleyball team faces conference opponents Tulane and UTEP for the second time this weekend. The Mustangs return to Moody Coliseum after a four-match stint on the road. The volleyball team went 2-2 on the road, including a loss to Tulane and a win over UTEP.

The Mustangs are 3-6 in C-USA play and 12-11 overall for the season. The Green Wave of Tulane is currently in second place in the conference, with a chance to take first place if they beat both Tulsa and SMU this weekend.

Tulane is 10-7 overall and 6-2 in C-USA play. Sophomore outside hitter Sara Radosevic posted 23 kills against the Mustangs earlier in the season when Tulane defeated SMU. UTEP’s record is far less impressive than Tulane’s. The Miners are 5-17 overall and 1-7 in C-USA competition. UTEP fell to SMU earlier this season in a heated 3-2 match.

Sophomore outside hitter Casey McAnelly recorded a career high 25 kills in the loss to the Mustangs while freshman outside hitter Amy Sanders has had two consecutive career high nights this season, also with 25 kills. Three Mustangs posted double-doubles during the victory over UTEP, including freshman Kendra Kahanek.

SMU has not won a home match since they beat Toledo in early September. The Mustang defense has been its biggest weakness due to injuries throughout the semester. Sophomore Natalie Peters has recovered from her ankle injury, but senior libero Jeanette Evanco will not return this season. Junior outside hitters Caitlin Rainbird and Rachel Giubilato have set high expectations for the offense. Giubilato is ranked in the Top 20 nationally for kills and Rainbird has had twelve double-double performances.

The Mustangs take to the road again next week to meet both Rice and Houston.