SMU volleyball returns to Moody Coliseum this weekend after competing in four conference games on the road. This Friday, the Mustangs face off with conference rival Houston (6-5 C-USA) at 7 p.m. Following Friday’s match the Mustangs take on the Rice Owls (8-3 C-USA) Sunday at 1 p.m.
SMU volleyball is entering this weekend with an overall record of 12-13 and a Conference USA record of 4-7. Last weekend the Mustangs went 1-1 on the road losing to East Carolina University but sweeping past Marshall.
The Houston Cougars are coming into this weekend on their last road trip of the year. The Mustangs faced off against the Cougars earlier this season and were defeated 3-1. A notable player for this game was sophomore Kathryn Wilkerson who recorded nine kills.
To be successful against the Houston Cougars, the Mustangs’ offense must be able to shut down Houston’s Justine Farmer. Farmer leads the league with 3.88 kills per set. Another threat to SMU is Lucy Charuk. Charuk is ranked first in the conference in blocks averaging 1.33 per set.
Rice is currently on a hot streak winning seven of their last eight matches. SMU faced off against this conference rival earlier in the season losing 3-0. Rice is lead by setter Meredith Schamun, who is currently ranked first in conference in assists per match with 11.51.
This weekend the Mustangs need to continue to be strong on offense to survive these rivals thundering defense. SMU’s hitting efficiency has been better than its opponents in the last two games, out-hitting East Carolina .381-.181 and Marshall .143-.056.
The offense continues to be propelled by Wilkerson who has 287 kills on the season and setter Kelli Becerra who has 552 assists. Becerra is coming off a hot weekend with a double-double, and personal best of 54 assists in one game. On the defense, libero Sidney Stewart continues to step up and answer the opponents attacks.
At this Sunday’s game, SMU volleyball presents the event Dig Pink. This is an opportunity to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. Fans in attendance at Sunday’s game will receive free rally towels and cheer cards. Fans wearing pink will receive 50 percent off admission to the game.