Wildcats open season with split

No. 28 Wildcats drop opener, bounce back with win

CANYON --ACU opened the 2004 season Friday by splitting a pair of matches on the first day of the First General Services West Texas A&M Lady Buff Classic.

The Wildcats (1-1) lost to Western New Mexico, 28-30, 30-27, 30-28, 24-30, 15-12, in their first match, but bounced back to sweep New Mexico Highlands, 30-17, 30-21, 30-21, in the nightcap.

In the win over Highlands, junior outside hitter Michelle Bernhard and junior middle blocker Amanda Slate each had 13 kills, while Kellen Morrow added 13 digs and Lindsey Martin had 41 assists.  ACU was never threatened in the match.

In the season-opener,  Bernhardt -- the Lone Star Conference South Division Pre-Season MVP -- led the Wildcats with 23 kills and 17 digs, while junior rightside hitter Ashlee Motola had 14 kills.  Senior middle blocker Sophia Kindred added 12 kills, Slate had 11 kills, and Martin dished out 64 assists.

ACU will play Adams State (Colo.) at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by a 6 p.m. match against 15th-ranked Metro State (Colo.).