COMMERCE, TEXAS – The Lions' Volleyball team is set to begin conference play this Tuesday with a road trip against rival Tarleton State. A&M-Commerce looks to get back on track after winning only one of four matches at the Britkare Ladybuff Classic.
 
The Lions pulled off a convincing sweep against the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS), but dropped matches against N.M. Highland, Regis University, and Colorado-Mesa University.
 
Amy Davault leads the team with 43 kills, an average of 3.31 per set. Davault played a major role in the win over UCCS with 14 kills, and a hitting percentage of .214. Courtney Tate stands as the Lions' assists leader, averaging 7.92 per set.
 
Taryn Driver had six of her team-leading 12 blocks in the midst of the loss to Colorado Mesa. Ashley Mireles had a team-high 33 digs (2.54/set).
 
The Lions' next opponent Tarleton State has gotten off to a fast start in 2014. The TexAnns defeated the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, Western New Mexico and Arkansas-Monticello en route to a 3-1 finish in the Angelo State Tournament.
 
Tarleton State has relied on its young talent so far. Freshman outside hitter Hailey Roberts, who has started the year with four straight double-doubles leads the team in kills with 71. Freshman setter Chandler Gow leads the team in assists per set with 6.31, and has managed to record 101 assists thus far.
 
In addition, the TexAnns have also gotten a boost out of its veterans. Senior outside hitter Katie Covell leads the TexAnns in digs with 109. This includes 25 digs to go along with 16 kills in her first double-double of the year against Arkansas-Monticello.
 
A&M-Commerce has lost five of its last seven matches against Tarleton State, which includes a five-match losing-streak from 2011 to 2013. However, the Lions have won the last two contests, which includes a 3-1 victory in the Lone Star Conference tournament last year.
 
First serve is set for Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m. After that, the Lions come back home to host the two-day long A&M-Commerce Tournament, which will run from September 12-13.