Volleyball program tied for third place as teams gear up for second half of conference play

Hill College’s volleyball program is back in an old familiar spot tied for third place in the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference standings – just one game shy of heading into the second half of conference play. 

The Rebels (12-6 overall, 8-3 conference) have won eight of their last ten games, including key conference wins over McLennan Community College, Temple College, Vernon College, Southwestern Christian College, and Collin County Community College. 

"Our play has really elevated in practice, and that’s shown in how we’ve been able to go on the road and pick up tough wins,” Hill College Head Volleyball Coach Haley Buard said. “This group has put in the work to know how to stay poised and focused on away environments, which is something we take a lot of pride in. We’re also well-prepared for the NCTC Lions – it’s a matchup we’ve been looking forward to, and I fully expect us to compete with intensity and confidence. I plan for us to come out on top, and I believe in this team’s ability to pull it off.” 

Buard knows the road to a Region 5 Tournament appearance is still a long way off, but she feels her team can stay in the hunt with a combination of maintaining home court advantage while, at the same time, winning some key matchups on the road. 

“As we move into the second half of conference play, we know the road ahead will be challenging with so many games away from home,” she added. “To make a push for the Region 5 Tournament, we’ll have to stay together and continue to lean on each other to pull out wins in tough environments. I believe we have the players to get it done, but it’s going to take us cleaning up some of the early errors we made in the first round and being disciplined in our preparation. This group has spent a lot of time working on their individual games, studying film, and scouting opponents to put ourselves in the best position to be successful. If we stay focused, I’m confident we can finish strong and keep ourselves in the hunt.” 

Hill College has four remaining home games between now and Nov. 1 – including an Oct. 18 showdown against Vernon College (Hill and Vernon are currently tied for third place in the conference). 

“The support we get from our fans – whether at home in Hillsboro or even when they travel to see us – means so much to me and to this team,” Buard said. “Their energy gives us a lift, and we’re looking forward to continuing to represent Hill College in front of our students, staff, and supporters. It truly makes a difference.” 

Freshman setter Britney Hoover is currently ranked fourth in the assists per set category (6.47) for Region 5, while freshman teammate Melanie Gasca is ranked seventh in service aces per set (0.51). 

The Rebels will host Southwestern Christian College on October 11 for its next home game beginning at 1 p.m. in the Bob Bullock Sports Center. 

For more information on the Hill College volleyball program, please visit https://hillcollegeathletics.com.