Amarillo College downs Lamar in doubleheader as Colbert, Buchanan return to lineup

Having a healthy roster has been a rarity for the Amarillo College volleyball team this season.

Heading into Thursday's home doubleheader against Lamar Community College, the Badgers played six of their first 10 games without starting setter Carli Colbert and prized 2023 recruit, Zaiah Buchanan, due to medical reasons.

The duo returned to the court on Thursday and their performances gave the Badger faithful a glimpse of the team's immense potential.

Amarillo College swept the Lopes in their first match (25-21, 28-26, 25-23) and followed with a four-set victory (25-16, 25-19, 14-25, 25-14) to end non-conference play in the regular season.

"It was nice to see us get healthier and play with the lineup that I envisioned at the beginning of the season. That's the first time we've put that lineup together," said Amarillo College head coach Scott Sandel, "It was a good week for them. They showed the ability come back from deficits in both matches, hopefully with the addition of new players they can continue that."

Colbert tallied the two highest assist totals in program history during the doubleheader after only practicing twice in the previous 15 days. The sophomore team captain recorded 38 assists in the first match and followed with 37 assists in the second game.

"She allows us to constantly have presence in that position. That's what we've been missing, she adds personality to it and she has a great connection with Jaron in the middle. With her we can run a 5-1 and we're calmer as a team," Sandel said.

Buchanan, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter, had 12 kills in four games heading in Thursday's contest. The Frenship High School graduate nearly surpassed that total in her first game back as she tallied 10 kills via a .304 hitting percentage during the Badgers sweep of Lamar.

Buchanan ensued with an eight-kill performance in game two.

Sandel noted Buchanan's improvement during her time away from the court.

"She learned while she was sitting on the sidelines mentally even though she wasn't on the floor," he said. "I think she understands now that in order for us to be good, she needs to be good. You saw that mentality in the way she plays."

While the additions of Colbert and Buchanan proved to be significant factors in Thursday's victories, returning Amarillo College Volleyball Athlete of the Year Jaron McAden continued to be the team's most consistent performer.

The sophomore tallied a team-best 11 kills by way of a .478 hitting percentage – a program record in a single match with a kill total of at least 10 – in AC's sweep of the Lopes.

"She's done it all year. Jaron is consistent and Carli does a great job feeding her the ball. She's been good on the outside and in the middle."

Freshman libero Rachel Russell topped her previous program record with six service aces in game two on Thursday and finished the doubleheader with eight aces. The Bushland High product added a team-best 34 digs.

Amarillo College improved their record to 5-7 overall with the pair of victories last week.

The Badgers head to Roswell, New Mexico on Wednesday, Sept. 13 to begin their conference schedule against 10th ranked New Mexico Military Institute.

Amarillo College closes with the week a road matchup against Midland College on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m.