KINGSVILLE, Texas – Texas A&M University-Kingsville (8-5, 1-1 LSC) opens its longest homestand of the season. The action begins on Friday, September 22 against Texas Woman's University (4-7, 2-1 LSC) at 4 p.m. followed by a Saturday match against #RV Texas A&M University-Commerce (6-6, 2-1 LSC) at the Gil E. Steinke Physical Education Center at 2 p.m.  
 
After playing 12 of their first 13 matches on the road, the Javelinas are ready to spend some time at home. Last weekend the club started Lone Star Conference (LSC) play in New Mexico where they split 1-1 with a loss and win against Eastern and Western New Mexico, respectively. Shelby Sheets carried the team with 20 kills in the two matches played, including a career-high 12 kills against Western. Showing similar glimpses of brilliance from a year ago, the Javs hold their opponents to a league-low .140 attack percentage and hit .201, ranking fifth. Krystal Faison and Lexi Wick are the bonified leaders of the team as they both average 2.48 kills per set with 119 total kills. Faison leads with 15 service aces and Wick's 46 blocks (0.96 blocks per set) serves as the team-high. Other standout contributors consist of Gabby Atchley (90 kills), Madison Brabham (89 kills), and Haley Hutchinson who has 79 kills and 43 blocks. Casey Klobedans directs the offense with 9.31 assists per set (fourth in LSC) and Jasmine Jacinto averages 4.54 digs per set (sixth in LSC).     
 
Though their record may not indicate it, the Pioneers are a tough bunch that is entering the weekend on a hot streak. TWU knocked off No. 5 Angelo State in five sets last weekend before sweeping A&M-Commerce earlier in the week. It is honestly grit that gets them by because on paper, they are outhit by their opponents .187-.166. Briley Cole-Lewis is the team's lead striker with 106 kills and an average of 2.52 kills per set. Haley Collins anchors the defense with a team-high 1.10 blocks per set to go along with a .263 hitting percentage. Kristen Jenkins adds some offense with 80 kills and ten aces this year, while Katy Ranes conducts the team with 10.05 assists per set and a team-best 11 aces. The Pioneers lead the all-time series 36-9, but the Javelinas have won the last two matches. 
 
The A&M-Commerce Lions opened conference play with a 2-0 record after huge five-set victories against No. 5 Angelo State and No. 14 Tarleton State in Commerce, Texas. They were rewarded for their efforts in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association National Poll by receiving votes but experienced their first league loss to Texas Woman's in Denton, Texas. With a .188 attack percentage and 12.9 kills per set, the strength of this club lies in its defense, leading the league with 99 total blocks and averaging 2.15 blocks per set. Layne Little paces the team with an impressive 2.87 kills per set and is tailed by twins Jaryn and Jaslyn Wacker. Jaryn averages 2.76 kills per set and Jaslyn sits at 2.49 per set. Jaslyn, however, leads the LSC with a .384 hitting percentage and ranks ninth with 0.93 blocks per set. In blocks, Jaslyn is behind Shelbey Chapron who averages 1.11 blocks per set - second in the LSC. TAMUC has a 29-13 all-time series advantage when going head-to-head with TAMUK. 

Live stats and video will be accessible on javelinaathletics.com. The matches can also be heard on Wild 105.5 FM with Mark Inserra on the call.
 
Come and join us on September 23 for our special brunch honoring Fred Nuesch's 50 years with Javelina Nation during Hall of Fame Weekend. The event will be held at 11 a.m. in the Grand Ballrooms at Memorial Student Union Building at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Tickets and tables are still available and all proceeds will benefit the Joan & Fred Nuesch Endowment at TAMUK. For more information on ticket and/or tables, please contact Dennis Hawkins via email (dennis.hawkins@tamuk.edu) or phone (361-593-4787).