Although the Richland College volleyball team suffered its first Metro Athletic Conference loss on Thursday, Oct. 1, 25-17, 22-25, 22-25, 20-25, to Brookhaven College the T-Ducks have gotten off to a 3-1 conference record.

“The team is coming together and building confidence and chemistry. We are excited about the season and ready to measure our progress,” T-Duck coach Zelda Smith said prior to her team’s first conference loss. “I believe that starting with strong competition made us learn to work hard. Playing mostly competitive Division I programs let the girls know that our talent could compete and sometimes win.”

Overall, the T-Ducks, who are back in conference action at 7 p.m. tonight when they host Cedar Valley College, are 8-11 on the season with at least 10 of their 19 matches coming against Division I opponents.

Smith also credits her team’s success to having experienced players.

“This year we have volleyball experience, college experience and natural athletic talent,” she added. “We have many transfers, a couple of returners and many [players] who played club volleyball. This team knows the game, can adjust to the competition and is academically committed.”

Among the T-Duck players having a huge impact this season are Serita Ingram of Longview and Jessica Fletcher of Everman, Nicole Spruille of Tatum, Brittany Hood of Mesquite, Rachel Pinson of Rowlett and Jennifer Penn of Garland.

As of last week, Ingram and Fletcher are ranked No. 4 and No. 5 in blocks per set in the NJCAA Division III while Spruille, Ingram and Britany Hood are ranked No. 9, No. 13 and No. 47 in hitting efficiency.

Pinson is also ranked No. 16 is assists per set while Penn, Hood and Spruille are ranked No. 7, No. 33 and No. 35 in digs per set. Spruille is also ranked No. 24 in aces per set.

“Each player [recently] named what it would take [to win a conference title], and some I remembered off hand were hard work, communication, positive attitudes, smart play, high spirits, 110 percent effort and major defense,” Smith said. “Add the strengths I mentioned earlier and we have the recipe for winning the M.A.C. conference.”