Pittsburg, Kan. – The SBU women's volleyball team began their season with a bang competing in the Gorilla Invite. The Bearcats took on two opponents in Western Colorado University and Arkansas Tech defeating them both. They start out the season undefeated at 2-0 for the second consecutive season.
 
In the matchup between SBU and Western Colorado both teams showcased their skills and determination on the court. Western Colorado faced challenges with their attack percentage, while Southwest Baptist demonstrated a more balanced performance led by key players like Ella Rademaker and Hannah Jackson. The match went down to the wire, extending to five sets before Southwest Baptist secured the victory 15-13 in the final set.
 
Junior Ella Rademaker led the team in kills with 19 got go along with one solo block and six assisted blocks for a team high 23 points. Newcomer Hannah Jackson also stood out with 15 total kills and a .275 hitting percentage. Chandler Lawrence had a team high .296 hitting percentage with 11 kills, to go along with one solo block, and nine assisted blocks.
 
Game two of the day came later in the afternoon as the Bearcats took on Arkansas Tech University. The Bearcats fell in the first set but emerged victorious after winning the next three straight. SBU outdid the Suns in total kills and hitting percentage throughout the game.
 
Jackson continued her stellar day by recording 20 of the teams' 53 kills while also achieving an impressive .455 hitting percentage. The Oral Roberts transfer recorded 35 kills to go along with her 42 points on the day. Junior Katie Pogue also showcased her skill recording a career high 37 assists in both games.
 
Jackson, Pogue and the Bearcats will continue their action in Pittsburg, Kansas tomorrow Saturday, September 7^th. They will compete in two more games beginning at 11:30am against Oklahoma Christian. At 7pm they will take on the host Pittsburg State.