The St. Edward’s Volleyball Team has had another successful year and the best news is that it’s not over yet! After a rough start at the beginning of the season, the Hilltoppers have come out 19-9 overall and 13-1 in conference. They have a history of success within the Heartland Conference, but it’s clear that this year they’ve come out on a mission.

The lady Hilltoppers have clinched the conference title for the fourth year in a row after defeating the Dustdevils of Texas ATM International on Saturday in 3 straight sets. The Hilltoppers took control of the match and shut the Dustdevils down, holding them under 20 points in each of the three sets. The hilltoppers were lead by Senior outside hitters Whitney Rhoden and Courtney Trevino and Sophomore setter Mary McNamara.

Not only have the the Hilltoppers been successful in their Heartland Conference match-ups but they are are also doing well within the South-Central Region. They have taken down a couple big contenders including Abeliene Christian and Tarleton State. The Hilltoppers are currently ranked 5^th over all which puts them in a good spot to earn a regional bid since the top 7 teams have an automatic bid to the regional tournament. The season is not over yet though. They have to compete against some very good competition in this next week in order to maintain their high ranking and push towards the regional tournament.

For several of the upperclassmen on the team, winning conference simply isn’t enough anymore. The Hilltoppers have won conference for the past 4 years and have yet to make it to the Regional tournament. Every year they fall short in the Conference Tournament and are beat out by a conference rival. That’s why, this year the team decided to make a new goal. Instead of focusing on winning conference, they decided to focus on earning a top 7 spot within the region. Since the top 7 teams are guaranteed a bid, their fate wouldn’t be left up to the tournament like it has in years past.

The Hilltoppers have hosted the conference tournament for the past 2 years. Every year they have fallen short of their regional goal in the conference tournament. This year, the lady Hilltoppers have a different ending in mind. They are working hard this week with their dream in mind; to make it to the regional tournament. The team is making several sacrifices in order to dedicate their time and energy to the overall team goal to make it to the regional tournament.

The lady Hilltoppers will be playing this Friday, November 11th at 1PM at the RCC on campus at St. Edward’s University. The Championship game will be on Saturday at 1PM. The winner of the conference tournament will go on to the Regional tournament the following weekend of November 18th. Be sure to come out and support the Hilltopper Volleyball team this weekend.

Courtney Trevino