TAMUT Volleyball Opens Season with Back-to-Back Perfect Weekends

SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. – The Texas A&M University–Texarkana volleyball team kept its undefeated run alive at its second tournament of the season, going a perfect 4-0 at the JBU Tournament without dropping a single set. The Eagles collected sweeps over Philander Smith, John Brown, Paul Quinn, and Southwestern (Kan.).

The Eagles opened play Friday afternoon with a 3-0 victory against Philander Smith (25-19, 25-18, 25-12). Junior outside hitter Kaitlyn Cabral sparked the attack with 17 kills on a .400 hitting percentage, while Flor Lazo and Paulina Dobreva combined for 22 kills. Setter Zoe Martinez directed the offense with 25 assists and added three service aces, while Dobreva contributed defensively with 10 digs.

In Friday's nightcap, TAMUT took down the host school, John Brown, 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-20). Dobreva paced the Eagles with 11 kills, while Martinez and Ashley Rhame combined for 25 assists to guide the offense. Kelby Couteemade her presence felt at the net with seven blocks, and libero Lauren Herz anchored the defense with 18 digs.

Saturday morning brought a tough test against former Red River Athletic Conference rival Paul Quinn, but the Eagles prevailed 3-0 (27-25, 25-14, 25-20) after an opening-set battle that went to extra points. Cabral dominated with 18 kills, while Dobreva notched a double-double with 11 kills and 13 digs. Rhame dished out 23 assists, and Herz shined on defense with 21 digs.

TAMUT closed the weekend with another sweep, taking down Southwestern (Kan.) 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-16). Cabral once again led the way with 13 kills, while Rhame handed out 17 assists. Dobreva and Herz combined for 22 digs, and the Eagles showcased their serving strength with 15 aces—four each from Jasmin Williams and Dobreva.

With another flawless weekend, the Eagles improved to 8-0 on the season, extending the best start in program history. Cabral paced the attack across the tournament with 56 kills, while Dobreva provided steady two-way play. The Eagles also asserted themselves at the service line, finishing with 31 aces over four matches.

TAMUT returns to action next weekend at the Nelson Tournament in Waxahachie, Texas, opening play Friday, August 29, at 9 a.m. against Huston-Tillotson before squaring off with the nationally-ranked hosts (#21) at 1 p.m.

Stay connected with @TAMUT_Athletics for updates, coverage, and highlights throughout the 2025 season.