The Northwestern State University of Louisiana Lady Demons volleyball team fell short 0-3 against Texas A&M University-Commerce Lions in the Southland Conference opener game on Tuesday at Prather Coliseum.
With a new team and new players, the Lady Demons had spurts in the game but could not put it together in a whole set as they faced the Lions for the first time this season.
Kitana Tuufli and Reese Fetty, two outside hitters for the Lions, combined for a total of 35 of the 51 kills for Texas A&M on the offensive sets.
Ashlyn Svoboda, senior libero and general studies major, believes working on communication with the team will lead to success for the next match.
“I think we played decently; I think there are a lot of areas we need to work on,” Svoboda said. “This is a new team, so there are a lot of connections we need to make.”
The Lions started the set hot, scoring in rows as the Lady Demons struggled on defense. They then had to play from behind in most of the sets. However, this did not deter the attacks that came from the Lady Demons which allowed them to hang in and even tie the first set 20-20.
Samya Wesson, sophomore middle blocker and business and marketing major, discussed how the team can improve defensively.
“Definitely on defense we have a lot of work to do as a team on that end,” Wesson said. “We also need to have a little more fight and grit, which I think will come after losing our conference opener.”
Madisynne McQueen, junior outside hitter and health and recreational management major, explained building each other up as a team is key for the Lady Demons moving forward.
“I think communication is something we need to improve on like trusting and leaning on teammates more,” McQueen said. “Individually, I have to communicate and be more vocal with the team.”
The Lady Demons now hold a 5-5 record and look to bounce back this Saturday at 1 p.m. against Nicholls State University Lady Colonels at Prather Coliseum.
Update 9/26 This article has been updated to correct a spelling in the headline.
