The UTRGV volleyball team improved to a program-best 5-0 in WAC play Thursday by defeating Sam Houston 26-24, 25-16, 23-25, 25-18 at Johnson Coliseum in Huntsville.
The previous best start in conference play was 4-1, by the 2017 and 2018 teams.
The Vaqueros (16-4, 5-0 WAC) also tied the program record for best road start at 6-2, a feat previously accomplished in 2021 and 2018.
The Vaqueros remain off to their best start in NCAA Division I program history. The previous best 20-match start was 14-6 in 2018.
With 16 victories, UTRGV moves back into a tie for the most wins in the NCAA, along with Towson (16-0), Jacksonville State (16-1), Western Kentucky (16-2), and Stephen F. Austin (16-3).
Senior Sarah Cruz led the Vaqueros with 16 kills and 10 digs for her seventh double-double. Junior Luisa Silva Dos Santos recorded 11 kills with two blocks. Sophomore Claudia Lupescu posted 10 kills with nine digs and two aces. Sophomore Luanna Emiliano dished out 43 assists with 11 digs and three kills for her 13th double-double.
Catherine Krieger led the Bearkats (6-13, 3-2 WAC) with 15 kills. Alyssa Fielder finished with 14 kills and 12 digs.
UTRGV will play next at 6:30 p.m. Monday against New Mexico State at the UTRGV Fieldhouse. The Vaqueros swept New Mexico State in the WAC opener on the road.
The game will be broadcast domestically on ESPN+ and internationally on WAC International.