The WTAMU Lady Buff volleyball team broke the Lubbock Christian Lady Chaps two-game non-conference win streak on Tuesday as they took the match 3-1 at The Box.

This win comes thanks to an improving defense and a team meeting the night before about team chemistry as roles on the team continue to evolve throughout the season. 

 “We really connected and I think that’s what helped today,” senior Cori Haley said. “It was just us coming together more as a team. It’s a team effort. We didn’t stopped fighting and we never quit. No matter how far we get down, we’re not going to stop.”

 Being in the win column after a contest against a team that has consistently been successful in the past came as a confidence boost for WT.

 “They always find a way of going to the ball,” head coach Jason Skoch said. “It feels like the ball never drops on their side, so you really have to earn the point. I’ve always been impressed with how LCU does that. They’re cerebral.”

 Skoch praised the hard work of his players in practice but also spoke of the work still left to be done.

 “We’re getting better, but our brain is like a muscle and we have to continue to get better mental conditioning,” Skoch said.

 With 11 of the 20 players on the roster registering as underclassmen, the seniors on the team are working to use the pressure of their final year to help them lead their team in the right direction.

 “I try to lead by example,” senior Cori Haley said. “I know I make just as many mistakes on the court, but I really try to communicate well with the younger girls, and I try to be a good influence both on and off the court.”

 “It’s like every game could be your last,” senior Elisa Bentsen said. “It’s slowly dwindling away and you’re counting down the games. You know that, ‘if I don’t hit this today or I don’t block this many balls this game, people aren’t going to remember my name.’ You go into each game wanting to do better than the last because you’re a senior and more people notice your mistakes. If you don’t belong to one of those [championship] banners, nobody is going to know who you are.”

 Overall, the Lady Buffs continue to work in the right direction as the season wears on. A win against a team like Lubbock Christian will help set them in the right direction.  

 “I think it proves our point that we are a good team,” Haley said. “If we just keep fighting and keep pushing together, we’re going to go far.”

 WT (11-7,6-2) will take on Texas A&M- Commerce (10-8,4-4) on October 14 in Commerce in Lone Star Conference play.