The Billiken women’s volleyball squad jump-started their season with a 2-1 record in the Coca-Cola Billiken Invitational at the Bauman-Eberhardt Athletic Center this past weekend.

Southwest Missouri State Bears defeated the Bills 1-3 in the first match of the season Friday, but the Bills regrouped to defeat Southeast Missouri State 3-2 and Stephen F. Austin 3-1 on Saturday.

“It was a very good opening weekend,” said Coach Marilyn Nolen. “We found some things we need to work on. We have a number of players in different positions. In the SMSU game some of the girls were playing in their first college match, but the next day we came back and did well,” Nolen said.

Southwest Missouri State went on to win the tournament, taking the title from the Billikens who had won it the past two years.

Against Southwest, the Bills battled to win the first game but were overpowered by the Bears in the second and third games. In the fourth game the Billikens took Southwest to the limit but couldn’t put them away as they fell 14-16 losing the match 1-3.

“We put up a great fight in that fourth game. The coach of Southwest told me if we had won that last game we would have been able to wear them down and win the match. It was a very encouraging first match for our team,” Nolen said.

Things improved Saturday.

“It felt great to beat SEMO. Over the last few years they have become one of our biggest rivals. We were glad we were able to turn around and beat our nemesis,” Nolen said.

The Billikens closed out the Billiken Invitational with a victory over Stephen F. Austin.

The Billikens dropped the first game but were victorious in the next three, earning their second straight victory.

“The last two matches gave us confidence for our upcoming games,” Nolen said.

The Billikens are led this year by sophomore center Colleen Hunter. Due to her stellar performance this past weekend she earned Conference USA player of the week. Hunter is supported by fellow sophomore middle-hitter Ember Knobeloch.

The Billikens are a young team this year, despite losing only one senior. The team is stocked with four freshmen, five sophomores, three juniors, and the lone senior is outside hitter Jessica Moss who earned all-tournament honors at the Billiken Invitational. Brooke Minniear, playing out of her position, impressed Coach Nolen, as did sophomore Missy Werges, who handled right outside hitter.

Coach Nolen was very happy with her team’s performance in the Billiken Invitational.

“It was a good chance to see where we are. We have trained so hard.

“We are a committed group and we know we are in a tough conference. Our goals are set on making the post season,” Nolen said.

Next weekend the Billikens will try to improve their record at the B & G Properties Invitational in San Marcos, Texas. The Billikens will face two post-season contenders in Arizona State and Sacramento State.

“Volleyball is so big in the west. Both ASU and Sacramento State are tremendous opponents and we look forward to this tournament.

“Hopefully it will prepare us for next week’s conference opener against UNC-Charlotte on the 15th,” Nolen said.