Mountaineers split at tournament at Mary Hardin-Baylor, show fight against top competition

The Schreiner University volleyball team delivered a mixed but promising performance at the Mary Hardin-Baylor tournament Sept. 11-12, splitting four matches while demonstrating the resilience that head coach Jeremiah Tiffin has emphasized heading into his fourth season.

The Mountaineers opened with back-to-back losses on Thursday, falling to Hardin-Simmons in four sets (25-21, 25-22, 23-25, 25-23) and getting swept by host Mary Hardin-Baylor (25-10, 25-20, 25-20). However, Schreiner bounced back Friday with a thrilling five-set victory over Methodist (25-23, 23-25, 25-15, 25-12, 15-10) before closing the tournament with a dominant sweep of Alverno (25-16, 25-15, 25-17).

Hilliard leads offensive charge

Junior outside hitter Giana Hilliard emerged as the tournament’s standout performer for Schreiner, recording double-digit kills in three of four matches. The San Antonio native tallied 16 kills against both Hardin-Simmons and Methodist, then added seven more in the Alverno victory.

“Janna Hillyard is going to continue to be a big piece for us,” Tiffin said earlier this season. “A two-time all-conference player led our team in kills last year. So, she’s going to continue to do her thing.”

Hilliard’s 59 total kills across the four matches showcased the offensive firepower that made her a two-time all-conference selection.

Setter depth proves valuable

The Mountaineers’ deep setter rotation, which Tiffin highlighted as a strength entering the season, proved crucial throughout the tournament. Junior Harlie Gallaspy distributed 93 assists across the four matches, while sophomore Gaby Torres added 54 assists and freshman Azalea De Leon contributed 29.

Defensive anchor sets tone

Senior libero Jenna Palomarez lived up to her reputation as the team’s defensive leader, recording 63 digs over the four matches, including 18 against Mary Hardin-Baylor and 17 against both Hardin-Simmons and Methodist.

Front line provides balance

The Mountaineers showcased their offensive depth with multiple players contributing consistently. Junior middle hitter Lauren Monaco posted 22 kills across the tournament, while senior middle Ryleigh Jones added 18 kills and junior right side Jesse Garner contributed 32 kills, including 14 in the Methodist victory.

Freshman right side Ashlyn Willburn, whom Tiffin identified as a player who could “push to compete right away,” saw significant action and recorded five kills while gaining valuable experience.

Building for conference play

The 2-2 tournament showing leaves Schreiner at 7-3 overall as they prepare for Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play. The Mountaineers will face their first conference test Sept. 20 when they host McMurry at 2 p.m.

The program has set high expectations for the season, aiming not just to reach the conference tournament but to compete for a championship and potential NCAA tournament bid.

The tournament provided valuable preparation for what promises to be a highly competitive conference slate. With their experienced core and emerging young talent showing glimpses of potential, the Mountaineers appear positioned to make a strong statement as they enter the heart of their schedule.