Scorpion Volleyball in Houston

Scorpions Optimistic of Gaining First Victory of Season in Houston
Posted September 27, 2008
HOUSTON -- After a grueling start to the 2008 season and the tough schedule behind them, the UTB/TSC Scorpions are hopeful of their first win of the season when they face University of St. Thomas and Loyola University Saturday, September 27.

The Scorpions, 0-11, face University of St. Thomas (3-5) at 11 a.m. and Loyola University-New Orleans (6-0) at 1:30 p.m. in a tri-match at the UST home floor.

Out of the first 11 losses of the season, four losses came to NAIA teams ranked in the Top 25, three came against opponents who received votes equal to rankings between 26 and 40, and three came against NCAA Division I or II schools.

Senior Katie Japp has been the most consistent player for the Scorpions, and was named Red River Athletic Conference Player of the Week for her efforts during four matches September 15-21.

Japp, an outside hitter from Omaha, Neb., averaged 3.36 kills per game as the Scorpions faced two of the top 10 teams in the NAIA.

Japp leads the Scorpions with a 3.25 kill-per-game average, which ranks second in the Red River Athletic Conference. Jenny Soto leads in aces with a 0.2 average, Chelsea Spadaro leads in assists with a 6.2 average, Anayeli Trevino leads in digs with a 3.3 per game average, and Jacque Touchet leads in blocks with a 0.7 average.

After Saturday's doubleheader, the Scorpions face Texas A&M University-Kingsville on the road Tuesday, September 30 before returning home for two matches October 3-4.