AUSTIN, Texas — Predicted to finish 11th in the Lone Star Conference preseason poll, St. Edward's volleyball (17–10, 12–5 LSC) enters the LSC Tournament as the fourth seed with an opportunity to strengthen its case for the program's first NCAA Tournament berth since 2011.
St. Edward's currently ranks eighth in the South Central Region National Power Index, holding a tenuous grasp on the final projected NCAA Regional berth by an almost nonexistent margin over Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference member UCCS, 55.607 to 55.538.
Eight regional berths are available, including automatic bids for the LSC and RMAC tournament champions.
First, the Hilltoppers must face fifth-seeded Midwestern State (16–12, 11–6 LSC) in Thursday's quarterfinal at 4:30 p.m. at the Junell Center-Stephens Arena in San Angelo, Texas. Two victories over the Mustangs offer snapshots of St. Edward's improvement throughout the season.
The Hilltoppers needed five sets to defeat the Mustangs during nonconference play, surviving a match that simultaneously showcased their offensive potential and early-season inconsistency.
When the teams met again, St. Edward's turned that narrow victory into a three-set sweep.
The rematch illustrated a team beginning to translate its talent into consistent execution, dictating the tempo with greater offensive efficiency and serving pressure that disrupted the Mustangs' multifaceted attack.
Midwestern State enters the contest after consecutive wins over UT Permian Basin and Lubbock Christian in three and four sets, respectively. The Mustangs demonstrated their offensive balance against Lubbock Christian, with Isabella Dickens and Nyle Mathis recording 19 kills apiece while setter Macy Scheer distributed 61 assists. Libero Jenna Redding added 25 digs, helping Midwestern State withstand two extended opening sets.
The Mustangs have multiple attackers capable of carrying a significant workload, and Scheer can distribute the ball effectively when Midwestern State receives a clean first contact. One of the Hilltoppers' top priorities will be disrupting those contacts.
St. Edward's has developed one of the LSC's more aggressive serving attacks, pressuring opponents away from their preferred offensive options. The Hilltoppers will need that pressure to limit Scheer's choices and make the Mustangs more predictable for a backcourt that has become one of St. Edward's secret weapons.
Libero GISELLE OJEDA earned All-LSC honorable mention after establishing herself among the conference's top defenders, anchoring a group of defensive specialists that includes BEA ANGELES, BELLA BRICENO, and IVY WACLAWCZYK. Head coach Jeremy Garcia considers the group among the deepest and most talented he has coached.
Their ability to absorb attacks and deliver playable first contacts has unleashed junior setter ALTHEA MORRIS, allowing the LSC Setter of the Year to operate the offense at full speed and direct the attack in multiple ways.
Morris became the first player in program history to earn the conference's Setter of the Year award after leading the LSC with 10.89 assists per set. The All-LSC First Team selection enters the tournament 20 assists shy of her second 1,000-assist season.
Senior outside hitter KELLI FORDING joined Morris on the All-LSC First Team after finishing fourth in the conference in kills per set (3.67) and points per set (4.10). Opposite hitter KAYLEN LEMBCKE earned honorable mention after returning from an injury that cost her the 2025 season, while MIA CLAY gives Morris another productive attacking option with all-conference experience.
Against Midwestern State, St. Edward's must sustain its attacking efficiency, maintain the serving pressure that helped produce September's sweep, and prevent Dickens and Mathis from establishing the rhythm they enjoyed against Lubbock Christian.
The Hilltoppers have beaten Midwestern State twice this season, first by surviving five sets and then by controlling three. Thursday's third meeting will reveal whether St. Edward's can replicate that improvement when the stakes are highest.
