Nov. 2, 2005

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' volleyball team will make school history on Friday when it steps on the court for the American Southwest Conference Tournament for the first time.

After winning the ASC West Division for the first time this season, the Cowgirls (18-10) earned a first round bye. They will play the winner of the East Texas Baptist/McMurry semifinal at 5 p.m. on Friday. The championship game is slated for 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The Cowgirls offense has been led by a dangerous trio. Virginia Aguilar has set a school record with a .330 attack percentage and leads the team with 357 kills. Freshman Taylor McFarland brings the most thunder from the outside with 235 kills.

Sophomore middle Chelsea Buetow has been injured but returned last week and should be full go for the tournament. She missed 10 matches with injury and still is third on the team with 187 kills.

The key to the Cowgirls has been their defense. They have 1825 digs this season. HSU has also brought a strong serve game that is high-risk, high-reward. The Cowgirls have 243 service aces on the year and often times the serves that are played are not easily passed to the setter. Ali Childers has 48 aces for HSU and Aguilar has 38. Aguilar and Chiders rank 1-2 on the school's career service ace charts.

HSU has received solid play from a variety of newcomers. Hannah Toole has played well in the middle in Buetow's absence. She is third on the team with 45 blocks. Amber Montgomery has played well on the back row and is second on the team with 302 digs. Veteran Megan Lawrence is second on the team with 59 blocks.

Krystal Ziehe and Melanie Wallace have both seen action at libero this season. Wallace has a tem-best 348 saves. One freshman that Cowgirls will not have is setter Amanda Keithley. She broke a team rule and will be out for the tournament. She will be replaced by Holly Amerena. Amerena has played most of the season as a back row defensive specialist, but will now have serving duties. She has 344 assists in a part-time setting role.

--- HSU Athletics ---