The Optimist

Issue date: 8/29/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Brian Schmidt Sophomore defensive specialist Amy Wilson spikes a ball during practice on Tuesday while head coach Kellen Mock watches in the background.

To senior outside hitter Abbie Lowry, height does not matter much on the volleyball court, but heart does. And although
this year's Wildcat volleyball team is not as tall as in years' past, it's the heart that will bring success this season.

"Two years ago, we were a big team. We had a lot of really
tall people," Lowry said. "This year, we only have two girls over six foot. I don't think that will make that big of a difference. I think that the fight and everybody's drive to win will make up for the lack in size."

This ACU team is hungry to not only improve upon last year's 18-11 record but to advance far into the NCAA Division
II national tournament.

"Last year we performed well. We made it to the national
tournament, but I don't think we competed as long or as hard as we would've liked to," said head coach Kellen Mock. "We want to be back at a high national level."

Mock is entering her second year as head coach of the Wildcats, and she is optimistic this year's team can be better than last year's. Last year, ACU fell in the first round of the national tournament to West Texas A&M.

"I feel like we've got a ton of potential to be a great team this year," Mock said. "We could be an amazing team. We could go very far in the playoffs. And I would not hesitate to say my goal is to go to the national tournament."

Part of what fuels Mock's optimism is the camaraderie of the Wildcat players. All but two of the players from last year's squad have returned. The team reported to Abilene at the beginning of August to begin practicing twice a day for this season.

"We have great chemistry," Mock said. "The heart of our line-up has returned. Plus, I think we have what a lot of teams lack. We have a chemistry that transcends from the court to off the court. Our girls are friends with each other. It's not just volleyball, but life in general that they're connected
with one another."

Two players that have been playing together for awhile are the captains, Lowry and senior libero Liz Snoddy. Both played on the 2005 team, which went 31-4, and they said this year's team is quicker despite being smaller. Although this year's volleyball

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