Volleyball Soars to 4-0 Start at Bethel Classic

North Newton, Kan. – The Texas A&M University-Texarkana volleyball team made a statement in its opening weekend of the 2025 season, going a perfect 4-0 at the Bethel Classic with wins over Langston, Bethel, Hastings, and Oklahoma Panhandle State.

The Eagles opened play Friday morning with a 3-1 victory over Langston (25-17, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23). Senior outside hitter Paulina Dobreva led the attack with 16 kills on a .500 hitting percentage, while Kaitlyn Cabral and Mia Mata combined for 27 kills. Setter Ashley Rhame ran the offense with 30 assists and added four service aces, while libero Lauren Herz anchored the defense with 13 digs.

TAMUT capped off Friday's action with a hard-fought win over the host school, Bethel College, in a five-set battle, 3-2 (25-18, 20-25, 25-21, 18-25, 15-7). Dobreva once again led the way with 21 kills, while Rhame dished out 21 assists and contributed 15 digs to steady the Eagles on both ends of the floor.

Bright and early Saturday morning, the Eagles outlasted Hastings College in a thrilling four-set match, 3-1 (30-28, 26-24, 18-25, 25-22). Cabral powered the offense with 20 kills, and Dobreva chipped in 13 kills and six service aces. Macyen Doskocil was highly efficient at the net, posting 11 kills on a .600 hitting clip. Rhame continued to guide the offense with 23 assists, while Herz collected nine digs. The Eagles' defense was a difference-maker, tallying 15 team blocks to close out the win.

TAMUT finished the weekend in dominant fashion, sweeping Oklahoma Panhandle State in straight sets, 3-0 (25-16, 25-13, 25-13). Dobreva was unstoppable with 21 kills on .571 hitting, while Cabral added 10 kills and 13 digs. Setter Zoe Martinez distributed 18 assists and added an ace, while Rhame contributed 20 assists of her own. As a team, the Eagles hit .291 and limited OPSU to just a .054 mark.

With the perfect weekend, the Eagles improved to 4-0 on the year, marking the best start in program history. Dobreva paced the offense with 71 kills across the tournament, while Cabral and Doskocil provided consistent production at the net. Rhame directed the attack with 84 total assists, highlighting a balanced and efficient offensive effort.

TAMUT returns to action next weekend at the JBU Tournament in Siloam Springs, Ark., opening play against Philander Smith on Friday, August 22 at 12 p.m.

Stay tuned to @TAMUT_Athletics for updates, match coverage, and more throughout the 2025 season.