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The Owls' next conference game is tomorrow, against the University of Texas at El Paso. For the Owls to stay competitive, Morales emphasized the need for continuity in play.

"We'll have a chance if we play our side of the net. We need everyone at the same level of play," he said. "We have some people playing well in some games while others aren't doing as well."

In a situation like this, the coach stresses the basics. He said that the team is now doing these much better, and that improvement has shown in their competitive play recently.

Earlier on, the team was having problems in games, ailed by injuries and changes in positions. Doing exercises specific to game situations helped the team's play overall, but there is one aspect that needs more work than any other: "We just need consistent hitting," Morales said. "We've been doing well and improving our setting, defense, passing and serving. When you get all of these together, anything can happen."

Lately, the Owls put up good fights and sometimes won.

Tuesday, the Owls started slowly but gained some momentum in a tough loss to the University of Houston 1-15, 11-15, 14-16. Last Thursday, they beat Texas Christian University in four games 15-8, 15-10, 12-15, 15-10. Playing against Southern Methodist University two days later, the team held out for five games, eventually losing 11-15, 15-7, 15-11, 12-15, 12-15.

The return of sophomore outside hitter Kelly Smith and junior middle blocker Tiffany Carrethers helped the hitting game. Since recovering from injuries, both Smith and Carrethers have made the impact that Morales thought they would. Smith notched her second double-double of the season with a match-high 24 kills and 18 digs in the game against TCU, and Carrethers followed with 13 kills and 12 digs in the victory.

In addition to helping her team offensively and defensively Carrethers took on the role of team leader, Morales said. She and senior right-side hitter Carolyn Sarnecki have provided much needed veteran experience to the young team.

"These two need to work together. It's not as fluid with Sarnecki at a different position, but the team looks to them for leadership," Morales said.

Hoping that everything will fall into place, with Carrethers back and the fundamentals improving, Morales said that team needs more support from fans. "We're not getting as many fans as last year," he said. "The team is trying hard to do well now and needs the support of the people."

This item appeared in the Sports section of the October 30, 1997 issue.