Stefanie Kons has already earned accolades early in the season. (John Schreiber)
The SMU volleyball team hopes to build upon its solid 6-1 start when the ladies play host to Ole Miss from the SEC (7-0), Baylor from the Big 12 (4-3), Prairie View A&M from the Southwest Conference (4-3) and Southland Conference’s Sam Houston State (2-2). SMU opens the tournament at Moody Coliseum when they play Ole Miss on Friday at 7 p.m.
In their last game, the women lost to the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks in five games. SMU out hit SFA .209 to .181, but could not pull out a victory in the final game. The loss to SFA was their first of the season.
Ole Miss poses the greatest threat to SMU over the weekend since they are undefeated and are coming off their second tournament title in as many weeks. Outside hitters Nicole Mahan and Katie Kramer lead the potent Ole Miss offense. Both players made the All-Tournament Team last weekend, and Kramer won the Tournament MVP honors.
SMU won its last match against both Baylor in 2003 and Prairie View A&M last year, 3-0 and 3-1 respectively. However, Baylor holds the all-time series edge 3-2.
Sam Houston’s Cynthia Yarotsky averages 4.27 kills per game and should lead the Bearkats offense throughout the tournament. She is complemented by fellow player Laura McLung, who averages 2.85 kills. During their last tournament, Yarotsky was named to the All-Tournament Team.
In order to win the tournament and return to their early success, Mustangs Stefanie Kons, Rachel Giubilato and Kathryn Wilkerson will need to show up in a big way. Last game, Kons had 62 assists to go with her 17 digs and almost led SMU to a victory. Giubilato also had 17 digs that complemented her 22 kills, giving her another double-double.
Due to the football game, fans are encouraged to park in the DART lot at Mockingbird Station and take the free shuttle to Moody Coliseum.
Natalie Peters was named Conference USA Co-Player of the week with teammate Stefanie Kons (pictured below) for their play in the Red Raider Round Up, played at Texas Tech. The Mustangs won the tournament going 3-0. (John Schreiber)
