Leonardo Guajardo/Vaquero Radio
Following the final conference game, the UTRGV Women’s Volleyball Team is determined to make its mark on the court as they prepare to compete in their next tournament.
As of Friday, the Vaqueros hold a 15-10 overall score and a 11-4 conference score.
The Vaqueros faced Incarnate Word on Thursday at home. The team then faced Houston Christian University on Saturday. Results will be available at goutrgv.com
Senior right side Perris Key commented on her growth from starting as a freshman to becoming the team’s leader. Her dedication to guiding new athletes and motivation to succeed drives her to continue to bring her all to every match.
“I think my leadership skills have grown a lot,” Key said. “Over the years I’ve learned from other people, and then also just having to step up into that role has grown me into a better person. Just making sure that they know what they’re doing, making sure we’re on time as a team, and we’re calm and relaxed when we’re playing.”
She also spoke about the importance of proper communication amongst the team to maintain composure during games.
“I think we try hard as a team to make sure we’re speaking to each other in a respectful manner, regardless of what’s going on,” Key said. “We’ve had talks about that as a team and with coach just controlling what we can control.”
Senior outside hitter Ilana De Assis, originally from Spain, transferred in her junior year from Missouri State University-West Plains to UTRGV. She said her motivation is rooted in being far from home, driving her to work harder to make those who support her proud.
“My motivation is [that] I’m so far from home, so now I have to work hard to get better,” De Assis said. “I’m out of my house since I am 15 years old, so it’s always a motivation. I’m trying to get happiness to my parents too.”
She described the cultural and gameplay changes she faced when coming from Spain and the impact it has on her in the court.
“Everything changed,” De Assis said. “The tempo of the ball, playing with America’s mind. I have to take care with what I’m going to say because I can mess up the whole team because I think they take [it] more personal than a Brazilian. I’m going to scream at you, next point is next point.”
Head coach Todd Lowery highlighted the crucial roles Key and De Assis played in maintaining team spirit through leadership and adaptability.
“[They’re] obviously big leaders on the court and off the court,” Lowery said. “Perris has been a captain for us for a couple of years and sets the tone of the team. I think Ilana has had a phenomenal season playing in a new position. Just two tough kids that are coming and bringing it every single day and giving us everything they have as we close out the season.”
He said the team’s biggest strength competing is their commitment to focusing on areas of improvement rather than sticking to strengths.
“Our offense is really good,” Lowery said. “When we pass the ball well, we’ve proven that we’re pretty much really hard to stop within the conference. They know the balls that they don’t hit well. They know the things that they don’t do well and [they] come in and put more time into those things that we don’t do well instead of just doing the same things that we already know”
The Vaqueros are traveling out to play in the Southland Conference Tournament on Friday, Nov. 22 in Hammond, Louisiana.
