Next Match:
vs. WAC Tournament
11/21/2024 | TBD
Nov. 21 (Thu) / TBD
vs. WAC Tournament
History
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The ACU Wildcats’ 2024 regular season concluded dramatically on Saturday as they faced off against California Baptist University on the road, suffering a tough 3-0 defeat to the Lancers.
The Lancers dominated the match, claiming victory in straight sets with scores of 25-14, 25-22, and 25-23. Throughout the first set, the Wildcats struggled with a series of hitting errors, finishing with just eight kills but countered by the Lancers’ impressive .353 hitting percentage, which propelled them to an advantageous 25-14 win.
The Wildcats showcased improvement in the second set, achieving a game-high hitting percentage of .222 while the Lancers managed .244. ACU started off strong, quickly racing to a 5-0 lead, but a mid-set surge from California Baptist, including a pivotal 6-2 run, allowed them to reclaim the advantage before winning the set 25-22.
In a similarly competitive third set, ACU established a promising 13-7 lead fueled by a 6-1 run. However, CBU mounted a formidable comeback, engineer a decisive 7-0 run that shifted the momentum and ultimately secured the third set 25-23, clinching the match.
The Wildcats managed to outpace CBU in terms of kills with a 35-33 advantage and also led in digs with 50 to the Lancers’ 38. They boasted a higher assist tally of 33 to California Baptist’s 28. Despite these advantages, California Baptist excelled behind the service line, tallying 11 aces compared to ACU’s five. Additionally, the Lancers controlled the net with a commanding 10-1 blocking edge.
Hannah Gonzalez emerged as the standout for ACU, leading the team with 10 kills, while teammates Alexis Strong and Bryley Steinhilber contributed seven and six kills, respectively. Abby Christian demonstrated skill at the service line, leading ACU with three aces. Madeline Guffy was instrumental with 28 assists, while Steinhilber and Sydney Payne both recorded a team-leading 11 digs. Avery Thaler registered the sole block for the Wildcats.
Following this match, the Wildcats are set to participate in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament for the second consecutive year, which is being hosted just down the road in Arlington. Unfortunately, with this loss, ACU’s season finishes as the eighth seed, setting them up for a challenging encounter against the WAC regular-season champions and tournament hosts, the UT Arlington Mavericks. This season, the Wildcats suffered two previous losses against the Mavericks, both ending 3-0.
First serve against the Mavericks is scheduled for Thursday, November 21, commencing at 7 p.m. Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets HERE. The match will also be available for live streaming on ESPN+. Fans who can’t attend in person or stream live can stay updated by following the team on social media on Instagram, X, Facebook, and on acusports.com.
#Unshakeable #GoWildcats
How do you plan to leverage Hannah Gonzalez’s leadership during the upcoming matches in the tournament?
**Interview with ACU Wildcats Volleyball Coach**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach! The recent match against California Baptist University must’ve been quite a challenge for the ACU Wildcats, ending the regular season on a tough note. Can you share your thoughts on the game?
**Coach:** Absolutely, it was a tough match for us. We faced a strong opponent, and while we did have some positive moments, we struggled with consistency, especially in the first set. The Lancers played exceptionally well, and their hitting percentage really set the tone for the match.
**Interviewer:** I noticed that despite the loss, your team outpaced California Baptist in kills and digs. What do you think contributed to those statistics?
**Coach:** It really shows the potential of our team. We have some talented players who can score points and make defensive plays. Hannah Gonzalez had a great performance with 10 kills, and our overall effort in digs reflects our commitment to defense and staying in rallies. It’s just frustrating that we couldn’t capitalize on those stats to secure the win.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of standout players, can you tell us more about Hannah’s performance and her importance to the team?
**Coach:** Hannah has been a key player for us all season. She not only leads with her offensive stats but also helps energize the team on the court. Her ability to score and maintain composure during pressure situations is invaluable, and we’ll rely on her leadership going forward into the WAC Tournament.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, the WAC Tournament is next on the agenda. What are your strategies moving into this crucial phase of the season?
**Coach:** We need to focus on limiting our errors and being more aggressive behind the service line. Although we lost to California Baptist, we learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t under pressure. Our goal is to build on the positive aspects of our game and translate that into stronger performances in the tournament. Every match is an opportunity for us.
**Interviewer:** With the tournament just around the corner, how do you motivate the team after a tough loss?
**Coach:** It’s all about perspective. We remind the team that every match is a learning experience, and setbacks can strengthen our resolve. We emphasize the importance of teamwork and staying focused on our goals. The ability to bounce back and learn from defeats is crucial, especially as we head into the tournament.
**Interviewer:** Great insights, Coach! Thank you for your time, and best of luck in the upcoming WAC Tournament!
**Coach:** Thank you! We appreciate the support and look forward to showcasing our growth in the tournament!
