April 3, 2006

COMMERCE, Texas - A&M-Commerce opened its exhibition volleyball schedule Saturday with seven wins and one loss in the 2006 Lions Spring Challenge at the Field House.

Against North Central Texas College, A&M-Commerce won 30-24, 30-23, 30-18. In the afternoon session, the Lions dropped the first game to Southeastern Oklahoma State 30-26 but rallied with two consecutive 30-23 wins. The Lions then beat Tyler Junior College 30-26 and 30-25 in their best-of-three match.

The Lions featured five starters including the libero from last season's squad in the first of three exhibition dates this spring.

"I was really pleased with our performance," head coach Gwen Weatherford said of the team's passing and attacking especially. "Our passing improved considerably, and our cross-court and line attacks worked very well.

`We didn't find ourselves in many tough moments," Weatherford continued, "but even in an exhibition game, the intensity was there."

The Lions continue their exhibition season with a tournament in Denton on April 8 against San Jacinto Junior College, UT at Dallas, and host Texas Woman's.