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Oct. 17, 2007

CANYON, Texas - The two teams at the top of the Lone Star Conference standings will square off at "The Box" on Thursday night as the No. 16 West Texas A&M volleyball team hosts Central Oklahoma in a 7 p.m. match-up. In addition to the marquee match-up on the court, WTAMU athletics is attempting to set a new attendance record at "The Box" as it encourages all fans to wear white and "White Out" the arena.

The Lady Buffs currently lead the Lone Star Conference with a 7-0 league mark to go along with their 22-7 overall record this season. Nipping on their heels are the Bronchos of UCO who have posted 13 consecutive victories and are 23-4 overall with a 6-0 record in league play. Since the eliminations of divisions from the LSC volleyball format this season, the winner of Thursday's match will have the inside track on hosting the LSC Tournament and have a leg up in the Southwest Regional Rankings.

The Lady Buffs, who feature no seniors on their roster, have been led by their strong junior and sophomore classes this year. Sophomore setter and Canyon, Texas, native Katie Rickwartz, who was named Lone Star Conference Setter of the Week this week for the fifth time, leads the entire LSC with 1,252 assists on the year, while outside hitter Laura Prinsen paces WTAMU with 379 kills on the season.

In the middle, WTAMU is strong with the return of junior Kelly Culley, who missed part of the early season with an injury but has come on strong as of late, and sophomore Melissa Harper, who leads the LSC in hitting percentage at .353. Juniors Sara Contreras and Alyssa Bromwell led the Lady Buffs' defensive effort, which has limited opponents to a .161 hitting percentage.

Central Oklahoma, meanwhile, is also led by its defense as the club tops the LSC in opponent hitting percentage (.130), digs (1963) and blocks (2.34 per game). Junior Mari Araujo is the primary offensive threat for the Bronchos, leading the LSC in kills per game at 4.74.

For "White Out" night, Lady Buff fans are encouraged to wear white shirts in support of the team and fill "The Box" with a sea of white. In addition, it will be Greek night where the fraternities and sororities of WTAMU who show their support have a chance to win dinner for their whole organization at Feldman's Wrong Way Dinner.

In addition, at least five students who attend Thursday's contest will walk away with a $250 cash prize after registering at the entrance to the arena. One similar $250 prize will also be award to a WTAMU faculty or staff member in attendance.