San Jacinto College Women’s Volleyball became the South Conference champions Oct. 18 with a 3-1 win over archrival Blinn College.

Next, the team will face off against Wharton County Junior College Oct. 25 in their last game of the regular season. The Lady Ravens played the Pioneers of Wharton County once this season Sept. 27 going the full five games with San Jac taking the tie breaker.

At 23-7, Head Coach Sharon Nelson attributes the team’s success to a consistent play style stemming from multiple factors.

“We are extremely dynamic,” Nelson said. “We are fast and quick in just about every position… We are explosive on the court.”

Starting setter, Juel Rayburn said a high point of this season came with an earlier 25-6 blowout win against Blinn.

“Last year they beat us once and then we beat them once, but during regionals, they beat us three times in a row,” Rayburn said. “So playing them and creaming them. Awesome!”

Right side hitter Ines Bawedin agreed. “It was bad. It was bad for them.” But on the other hand, she pointed out there were a few low moments this season particularly the Tyler Junior College Invitational where the Ravens went 0-3.

“That was a really bad tournament,” she said. “We were winning all of our conference games, and I feel like it humbled us a little bit so we can work as a team.”

“I think we figured out what we did, but we can’t dwell on those three loses,” Rayburn added. “We just need to move on.”

The match coming up Oct. 25 is the last game before the NJCAA Region XIV Tournament and will set the tone for the post-season. Going forward, one advantage San Jac has is a noticeable absence of significant injuries.

“We have been pretty blessed. There have been a few bumps here and there but nothing critical,” Nelson said. “Our chemistry is really good. We get along really well on the court.”

The game against Wharton County Junior College begins at 6 p.m. Oct. 25 in Anders Gymnasium (C18) on the Central Campus.