Bobcat Volleyball Returns Home

By Carter Bordwell
Sports Reporter

Texas State volleyball returns home for the first time this season in a doubleheader against Alabama, (5-2) and Miami (FL), (5-0). They will play Friday in the Bobcat invitational at Strahan Arena in San Marcos, Texas.

The Bobcats haven’t played on their home court since March 25th, 2021, when they took on North Texas in a winning effort. Coach Sean Hueit is ready to see his team back in front of their home crowd.

“We’re just excited, we love playing in Strahan. It’s a home-court advantage for sure,” Coach Huiet says. “I think the fans are going to get to see that when we show up this weekend.”

Redshirt junior outside hitter Lauren Teske is very excited to be able to play in Strahan again, but understands the challenges that Alabama and Miami (FL) will bring Friday.

“We know that they are going to be a competitive team,” Teske said. “We are just ready to work for each other and work for the crowd we are going to have.”

Senior outside hitter Jadna Garder is a key player this season who leads the team with 53 kills (.143), followed by senior middle blocker Tessa Marshall with 50 kills (.379).

Meanwhile, senior setter Emily Dewalt has the most assists this season with 132, and senior defensive specialist Kayla Granado and comes in with aces with six total.

The Crimson Tide comes into Friday having lost its last game vs Kennesaw State in only three sets. Alabama and Texas State are tied 2-2 overall in the all-time series.

Some key players for the Tide are Junior right-side hitter Kennedy Muckelroy who leads the team in kills with 61 (.168), followed by Senior outside hitter Abby Marjama with 60 kills (.276).

The Miami Hurricanes are coming into the invitational with an undefeated record of (5-0). In their last matchup, they defeated South Florida twice in tournament play. The Hurricanes have only played the Bobcats one time in 2008. Defeating them in 4 sets.

Players to lookout for from the Miami Hurricanes are Angela Grieve and Peyman Yardimici, with 60 (.225) and 43 (.205) kills.

The Bobcats (1-6) will take on the University of Alabama at 11 a.m. Friday, which will be broadcasted on KTSW 89.9. The Bobcats return to action later in the afternoon against Miami (FL) at 6:30 p.m. Both games will be broadcasted on ESPN+.

Featured Image by Khalid Alhareth