Before these two players set foot in Diddle Arena, Western didn’t know the true feeling of being a winning program.

But seniors Cynda Derbort and Tracy May came, and ever since, the two have been a part of the Lady Toppers’ four division titles in four years.

“Those two kids are winners,” coach Travis Hudson said. “When you have two kids who come into a program that have never won conference championships and walk out with four in four years, that says all you need to hear.”

He also admits that he will miss them playing for him.

“It’s amazing how attached I get to kids in four years,” Hudson said. “I love being their coach, but I love being around them off the court more.”

Tonight, at 7 p.m., Derbort and May will play their final regular season match in Diddle for senior night.

“I’ll be a little emotional because it’s the last regular season home match, and I know that everything is coming to an end,” May said.

Derbort said it hasn’t hit her yet that after her senior year, she’ll be done with volleyball forever.

“I’ll be more emotional when we play and perform my best game ever,” she said. “I’ll miss the team and the team atmosphere. I’ll also miss playing in Diddle in front of my family.”

This match is not only important for the seniors, but for the entire team.

If the Lady Toppers (24-6, 10-2 Sun Belt) defeat the Mean Green (20-12, 10-3) tonight, they will have a lock for the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament.

Schiff Earns Conference and National Honors

Junior Amanda Schiff earned the Sun Belt Player of the Week honor for her performance last week.

After getting her first conference accolade on Monday, the American Volleyball Coaches Association named her the National Player of the Week Tuesday, the first Sun Belt player to ever to be named.

Schiff averaged 5.17 kills, 1.67 blocks and 1.5 digs per game in Western’s two wins against Arkansas-Little Rock and Arkansas State last weekend.

Reach Amber North at [email protected].