The Hilltoppers are currently in first place in the Heartland Conference for volleyball, adding victories over Newman and Arkansas Fort Smith to their undefeated record over the weekend.

On Thursday, the Hilltoppers shut down Newman University it three sets, showing domination on the court in all three. The Hilltoppers finished 25-16, 25-14, and 25-11 for the victory.

Saturday, the Hilltoppers sought out to remain undefeated and claim the top spot in the conference.

After a grueling five-set match, the Hilltoppers came out victorious against Arkansas Fort Smith, the number one pick in the Heartland Conference Preseason Poll.

Slamming a career high of 20 kills, senior Whitney Rhoden led the Hilltoppers to a 3-2 win over the Lions.

Both teams battled back and forth in the first two sets, keeping the score close and the game tense.

A few mistakes by the Lions allowed the Hilltoppers to snatch up the victory in the first two sets, ending in a score of 25-20 for both.

In the third set, the Lions gained an early 6-2 lead. But two kills from both freshmen Elissa Stanton and Rhoden sparked and 11-8 run from the Hilltoppers that cut the lead to just one point. Not wanting to face defeat, both teams fought to take control, keeping the score 24-24. However, multiple kills by the Lions deciding the set in favor of UA Fort Smith.

In set four, the teams ping-ponged to a 12-12 score before a pair of kills led the Lions to a 4-2 run. They continued to gain control of the set ultimately winning 25-16, and setting up a fifth and deciding match.

The fifth and final set proved a daunting match for both teams. The Hilltoppers 4-1 lead was not the Lion’s responding 6-2 run. But a kill by junior Meredith Barth ignited a 10-8 run by the Hilltoppers. The Lions attempted a comeback, but kills from Trevino, and senior Lindy Luleff, along with a service ace by sophomore Mary McNamara shut down any further progress from the Lions. Rounding out the victory was a triple block by Trevino, junior Ale’tra Ware and senior Ashley Vander Hey.

St. Edward’s will host their Heartland Conference Rival Dallas Baptist on Tuesday at 7 p.m.