Canyon, Tex. - The SBU Volleyball team continued their impressive start to the season on Saturday, winning both games to start the season at 4-1. In the morning game, the Bearcats defeated Eastern New Mexico University 3-1, and in the evening defeated Texas Woman's University 3-2.

In the first game of the day, the Bearcats took the first set 26-24, the third set 25-20, and the fourth and final set 26-24. Kylie Heim lead the Bearcats with 12 kills, followed closley by Britni Reed with 11, and Carrie Johnson and Jenna Isaacs with 10 apiece. Kelsey Fankhauser saw her first action of the season, and lead the Bearcats with 41 assists. Alyx Glover lead the 'Cast with 20 digs. As a team, the Bearcats compiled seven blocks and seven aces.

In the second game of the day, the Bearcats had a hard fought battle with Texas Woman's University. After dropping the first set 23-25, the Bearcats responded by taking the second and third sets 25-21 before Texas Woman's took the fourth set. The Bearcats won the final set 17-15 to push their overall record to 4-1 on the season. Heim once again lead the Bearcats in kills with 11, while Isaacs had 10 kills. The assists were spread a little more evenly with Fankhauser having 25 assists, and Whitney Miller collected 17 assists. Glover once again lead the Bearcats in digs with 20, and teammate Kristi Hager also had 20 digs.

"We continued the work we started yesterday," assistant coach Sarah Brannock commented. "We had consistent leadership and execution from our three seniors. Kylie was a constant point producer in blocking and kills. Alyx was continually making big plays for us keeping the ball off of the floor and giving us second opportunities. Both of our setters were solid. Whitney and Kelsey were game changers for us today. They not only performed well in their individual roles but they made others around them play better as well. The best part of today is that our team never quit. We fought and we pushed hard all day. I'm really proud of the effort of our entire team this weekend. It gives us the momentum we need for our home tournament next weekend."

"I am very proud of our team this weekend," commented head coach Kelly Richardson. "They fought hard at some really clutch times and showed a lot of heart. I'm also extremely proud of Coach Brannock and Coach Lisi. They did a great job taking care of the team this weekend. We defiantly see areas we need to improve in, but all in all a good start to the season."

The Bearcats will be back in action on September 9, 2011 when they host the 2011 SBU Purple Bash in Bolivar. The 'Cats will play at 2:00 pm and 6:30 pm on Friday.