Volleyball to Host LSC Pair

October 13, 2009

WEATHERFORD, Okla. - Southwestern Oklahoma State University has an opportunity make a significant climb in the Lone Star Conference volleyball standings with a pair of victories in upcoming home matches against Abilene Christian and Angelo State. SWOSU will host Angelo State on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Abilene Christian Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.

The Bulldogs are riding the momentum of Saturday's convincing 3-0 win at Eastern New Mexico and return home where they have played their best this season. SWOSU is 5-22 overall and 2-4 in the LSC but only one game out of what would be a tie for sixth place. The top eight teams in the LSC final regular-season standings qualify for the post-season tournament.

Coach Bo Pagliasotti has spent the entire week energizing his squad for what he hopes will be a strong stretch run.

"We're not out of tournament contention by any means," Pagliasotti said. "We could get on a little roll here and move right into the upper middle of the pack. We know the importance of these two games and will be ready to play."

Pagliasotti mentioned that one of the main keys for sustaining a winning streak will be establishing better consistency and avoiding mid-game lapses that have plagued the team this year.

"We need to do a better job from start to finish," Pagliasotti said. "It seems as if we start out good, then get in a lull about the halfway point and find ourselves scrambling. The key for us is avoiding long stretches and letting teams have a sustained rally."

Pagliasotti singled out the play of Emily Walter and Jennifer Naramore as two of the bright spots so far this season. Walter and Naramore have been perfect compliments for each other and lead the team in most offensive categories.

Walter, a sophomore from Azle, Texas, is averaging 2.44 kills per game and carries an attack percentage of .187 while Naramore is right behind averaging 2.31 kills and an attack percentage of .170.