The SMU volleyball team will spend this weekend playing away games in-state against Conference USA competitors Rice and Houston.

The Mustangs beat Rice last season 3-2; however Rice leads 19-9 in series history.

The Owls currently are one game behind the ‘Stangs for second place in the league.

The Mustangs are currently 16-4 on the season and 8-1 on conference play.  Rice is 12-9 on the year and 7-2 on conference play.

Rice defensive player Tracey Lam currently averages 5.71 digs per set.

SMU will take on Rice today. On Saturday, the Mustangs will play against Houston.

Last season, SMU defeated Houston 3-0. The Cougars are currently 12-9 on the season and 6-3 on conference play.

SMU outside hitter Dana Powell recently joined the 1,000/1,000 club with 1,011 kills and 1,009 digs tallied during her career on the Hilltop.

Powell notched 18 kills and 27 digs last Sunday in the team’s match over Marshall.  The Mustangs defeated Marshall 3-2 in Huntington, W. Va.

Teammate and fellow outside hitter senior Kathryn Wilkerson also recently set a record in C-USA with 1,414 career digs. She currently holds the 20th place.