TEMPLE, Texas – The Leopards were defeated at home during a nonconference match against Wharton County Junior College. The Leopards started things off with a perfect serve receive pass from Sidnie Smith and a hard attack from Xaria Pickett. Wharton then made a major attacking error that sent Xaria Pickett back to the serve line where the leps were able to make a 3-point run before a TC hitting error. In the end, the Leopards lost in three sets (14-25, 22-25, 14-25) in their disappointing home opener. The Leopards are 1-1 fin their 2022 season.    

UP NEXT

The Leopards will be on the road to Odessa for their College Invitational Tournament where they will face four teams that will put them to the test: Odessa College, New Mexico Junior College, New Mexico Military Institute, and Eastern Florida State College.

FOLLOW THE LEOPARDS
Visit tcleopards.com for more information on Temple College volleyball. Fans can keep up to date with the Leopard volleyball team on Facebook (@tjcvolleyball), Twitter (@templec_VB), Instagram (@templecollegevolleyball) or tiktok (@tjcvolleyball).
 
POST MATCH QUOTES
Rachel Melancon, Head Coach Temple College Leopards Volleyball said about the match against Wharton:
"I felt disappointed in our execution and mentality throughout the entire match. I know we can play better volleyball, but we must learn to earn the win. Volleyball is a very mental game and I do not feel we are where we need to be at a team in order to be successful. The ladies know this- I have been very clear about my concerns over their mentality. They have responded to the criticism well and will continue to improve in all aspect of the game. They are a wonderful group of talented athletes, they just need to believe in their skills and ability a little more and stop being scared to play the game with an aggressive mindset."

A positive mindset with an emphasis on an aggressive offense will be the focus in the upcoming days.

Grace Williamson, Leopard of the Match, had this to say:
"We need to control the controllable. You can't control what your opponent is doing on the other side of the net, but we can control our own thoughts and individual game play. Having a positive mentality helps when things get tough. Breaking down and going silent when the game becomes hard shows weakness and our opponent could see that. I think, as a team, we need to control what we can and let the rest go and that starts with having a consistent positive mindset"

With a tournament this weekend, the Leopards will be able to focus on growing their mental toughness and work together, as teammates, through the tough times on the court.