CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) volleyball team will look to break a six game losing skid this weekend as they travel to the Texas Gulf Coast to participate in the two-day, three-match Holiday Inn Emerald Beach Islander Classic. UTPA will begin their play in the tourney with a Friday afternoon match against North Texas with a 4:00 pm start time. The Broncs will battle tournament host Texas A&M Corpus Christi on Saturday morning at 11:00 am and will wrap-up their play versus Towson University at 5:00 pm. All matches will be played at Dugan Wellness Center.

The Broncs (1-7) are coming off a strong showing, even in defeat, in a home 3-0 sweep at the hands of Texas Tech. In the opening set the Broncs held a 24-18 lead but could not complete the set victory. After a disapointing seconf game UTPA did not let up in the third set. They battled back-and-forth with the Red Raiders and even pulled even at 21-21. 

Despite the loss, Broncs head coach Brian Yale was pleased with the performance.

“I am really proud of the girls because one of the things we keyed on was to play with more energy,” UTPA head coach Brian Yale said Tuesday. “We needed to come out with some fire and not be afraid of a bigger team across the net. We have good players and can play with anyone if we compete.”

UTPA is lead by Ijanae Holman who averages 1.92 kills per set. Freshman Michelle McNamee chips in on the offense as well at 1.60 kills per set. On the defensive side Juri Franzen has been solid by avergaing 4.19 digs per set in 2011.

The Broncs will begin the tournament against North Texas. The Mean Green (4-4) are coming off a 3-0 home victory against Stephen F. Austin. The win against the Lady Jacks broke a three match losing skid for North Texas.

North Texas freshman outside hitter Eboni Godfrey leads the Mean Green at 3.22 kills per set in 2011. Godfrey earned Lamar Invitational All-Tournament Team honors in her first collegiate action. Sarah Wiley paces the North Texas defense with 3.96 digs per set.