TEMPLE, Texas – The Leopards defeated nonconference opponent Wharton County Junior College in a match that started with the Leps down two sets to come back to force a fifth set. Just as things were looking up, the fifth set started with a 8-2 run by Wharton, but the Leopards weren't finished. They rallied and ended up coming back to beat WCJC 15-11 in a thrilling fifth set match that was one for the history books (11-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-23, 15-11). The Leopards are officially 3-5 in their 2022 season. 

UP NEXT

The Leopards next match will be at home against Coastal Bend College on Thursday, September 8th. They will then be back at Brookhaven for another match up Saturday, September 10^th for a match to get ready for conference play that will start September 13^th.

FOLLOW THE LEOPARDS
Visit tcleopards.com for more information on Temple College volleyball. Fans can keep up to date with the Leopard volleyball team on Facebook (@tjcvolleyball), Twitter (@templec_VB), Instagram (@templecollegevolleyball) or tiktok (@tjcvolleyball).
 
POST MATCH QUOTES
Rachel Melancon, Head Coach Temple College Leopards Volleyball
"I love that we had the mental toughness to come back and beat a very good team, but I can't wait to see us be tough enough to take the win from the beginning. We must trust our talent, coaches, teammates, and capabilities from the start and that will make a huge difference.  I see a very different team than I did August 1^st and I can't wait for them to realize the same- hopefully that comes soon since conference play is a week away."

It has been clear the Leopards come into practice ready to learn better game strategy and perfect their skills each week. They have defeated opponents they thought they couldn't and played smarter volleyball each week. There is still a lot of work to go, but if they keep their strong mentality- and drive- they could be unstoppable.

Jade Smith, Leopard of the Match
"Although we did not start the match out well, we pushed through adversity and we pulled out the win- not only for ourselves but we played for each other. We never stopped believing in ourselves, even when the odds were against us. We showed that our hard work is paying off by coming back and winning in the last set. We showed everybody the legacy we want to leave behind and I believe it will only get better from here. This is only the beginning, and there will be more greatness to come!"

We are all waiting to see how the team plays in conference; let's hope this is a step in the right direction to having that legacy they are wishing to leave behind.