V-Ball Readies for Stretch Run

October 17, 2007

WEATHERFORD, Okla.  – Southwestern Oklahoma State University gears up for a critical stretch run that will make the difference in determining if the Bulldogs qualify for the Lone Star Conference Postseason Volleyball Tournament.

The Bulldogs currently stand at 9-17 overall after suffering a 3-0 loss Tuesday at Southern Nazarene. The Crimson Storm won by scores of 30-22, 30-25 and 30-19. SWOSU is 1-5 in LSC play and alone in 11th place. The Bulldogs trail Tarleton State by four full games with six to play for the eighth and final tournament spot.

The LSC combined both the North and South Divisions this year for volleyball and all 13 teams are competing for eight tournament berths. The LSC Tournament will be held at the regular-season champion. SWOSU, in its third year as a volleyball program, is seeking its first-ever berth in the tournament.

The road to the tournament will be difficult at best as matches against nationally-ranked West Texas A&M and a longtime power Abilene Christian await the Bulldogs. Still SWOSU has its share of winnable games as Eastern New Mexico, Angelo State and Texas A&M-Commerce remain on the schedule. The trio has a combined record of 20-49.

SWOSU visits ENMU on Thursday, Oct. 18 before playing at WTAMU on Sunday, Oct. 20. The Bulldogs will close the home season Thursday, Oct. 25 against Abilene Christian and Saturday, Oct. 27 against Angelo State.