No. 18 Tiger Volleyball preps for their last regular season matches this weekend.
 
After a weekend off, the Tigers (18-6, 11-1 SCAC) are ready to get back onto the court. Last time out, we saw TUVB sweep all their opponents during their final homestand of the regular season. The Tigers defeated nationally-ranked Southwestern, then Randolph-Macon and Concordia. Fifth-year middle blocker Maddie Fate (New York, New York / Croton Harmon) was the MVP of the weekend for the Tigers in wins over #14 Southwestern, Randolph-Macon, and Concordia. She hit an astounding .514, had 19 kills (2.11 per set), and only had 1 hitting error in three matches. Against Southwestern, Fate collected eight kills, four blocks, and had a .467 hitting percentage. Against Concordia, Fate hit .667 and led the team with 10 kills while having zero hitting errors. Fate also was second on the team in total points (26) while also adding a team-best 13 blocks (1.4 blocks per set). The Tigers now sit atop of the SCAC standings at 10-1, with Colorado College in second place at 10-2. 
 
SCAC Setter of the Week - Kendall DeRivel
 
For the second time this season, sophomore Kendall DeRivel (Westlake Village, California / Viewpoint) has been selected as the SCAC Setter of the Week. 
 
From the SCAC Press Release:
 
DeRivel was getting assists left and right in the Tigers' wins against St. Thomas, Austin College, and Colorado College this weekend. DeRivel totaled 75 assists across the three matches (5.77 assists per set). In the matches against St. Thomas and Austin College, Kendall had 27 assists in each match. To go along with her excellent setting, Kendall also added eight service aces. DeRivel is now fourth in the SCAC in assists per set (5.30) and second in service aces per set (0.51). 
 
AVCA Poll - Tigers At 18
 
In the national poll by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, the Tigers were ranked 18th. Juniata remains in the top spot, with Hope also staying in second. Johns Hopkins, MIT, and Emory round out the top five. Regional rival East Texas Baptist is ranked 10th and SCAC foe Southwestern sits in 20th.
 
Preview - Closing Out The Regular Season
 
The Tigers will close out the regular season with an SCAC Crossover in Georgetown, Texas. First, Trinity will take on the University of Dallas on Friday, November 8th at 4:30 PM. Then, the squad will play a doubleheader on Saturday against McMurry at 11:00 AM and Centenary at 2:00 PM. 
 
On the Dallas Crusaders: The Crusaders have faced significant challenges this season, holding a 2-25 record (2-11 SCAC). Their only two wins have come against Centenary College, once in four sets and again in five. Dallas has struggled offensively, with a hitting percentage of .089. A positive for the Crusaders is that they have four players with over 100 kills this season, with a fifth player close to reaching that milestone. Freshman right-side hitter/setter Marcette Williams leads the team with 179 kills. Last season, the Tigers swept both matchups against Dallas and hold a 27-1 all-time record, with their only loss coming in 2015.
 
On the McMurry Warhawks: McMurry will enter Georgetown with a 12-12 record (7-6 SCAC). The Warhawks have yet to find consistent momentum this season, with their longest winning streak being just three games. Against top teams like Austin College, Texas Lutheran, and Colorado, the Warhawks have won only 1 out of 16 sets, though many of those sets were competitive. The Tigers last faced McMurry in 2010, securing a five-set victory to bring their all-time record to 4-0 against the Warhawks. Trinity's first win over McMurry came back in the side-out era of volleyball in 1991, where they won in two sets.
 
On the Centenary Ladies: Centenary has struggled this season, posting a 1-23 record (0-13 SCAC). Over 72 sets, the Ladies have won just seven. Their only victory came in a sweep against Wiley on September 24. Sophomore outside hitter Alyssa Gatlin leads the team with 112 kills, though her hitting percentage is .043. Last season, the Tigers dominated Centenary, including their largest set win margin of 25-6. Trinity holds a 25-0 all-time record against the Ladies, having lost only one set in their matchups.
 
Looking Ahead - SCAC Tournament
 
The Tigers will play in the SCAC tournament starting on November 15th and will look to claim their 22nd SCAC Championship.