The Collin College women's volleyball team made a statement return in its home opener Aug. 21, sweeping the Richland College Thunderducks (25-20, 26-24, 25-18) in the first match of the 2025–26 season — and the program's first since 2003 — officially ushering in a new era for Cougar volleyball.
KEY PLAYERS
- Fr. OH Tylisee Brinkley led the team with 10 kills and notched 10 points.
- Fr. OH Lauren Larkins tied for team-high honors with nine kills and finished with an impressive .438 hitting percentage. She also recorded a solo block, a block assist, and scored 10.5 points.
- So. S Parker Kimbal dished out 23 assists and contributed six kills, two aces, and two block assists.
- Fr. LB Emily Torres collected 13 digs and added an assist and a service ace.
- Fr. MB Amaya Carter put up seven kills, one ace, and one block assist for 8.5 points.
- Fr. MB Maya Nalls scored seven kills, added three block assists, and chipped in 9.5 points.
- Fr. MB Oge Ugorji notched three kills and three block assists for 4.5 points.
- Fr. DS Ashley Layman tallied eight digs, an assist, and an ace.
- So. S Isabella Foutz recorded 13 assists, one ace, and five digs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Collin opened the match, taking advantage of an early error from Richland to claim the first point. A block from Larkins and Brinkley at the net extended the Cougars' lead to 2-0. Layman delivered an ace to push the advantage to 6-1, and despite a brief rally from the Thunderducks, the lady Cougars maintained control throughout. A late 5-point run stretched the lead to 20-12, setting the stage for a dominant finish. Nalls sealed the set with a powerful kill, giving the Cougars a 25-20 victory in the first.
Collin came out aggressively in the start of the second set, sparked by three kills from Brinkley and an ace from Carter. An explosive kill by Larkins helped the Cougars build an early 5-1 lead. Both teams traded points through the middle of the set as momentum swung back and forth. The Thunderducks pulled ahead late, forcing Collin into a 22-24 deficit. The Cougars responded under pressure with a clutch block by Kimbal and Ugori to kept the set alive. Back-to-back kills from Kimbal, and one from Carter, put Collin ahead 25-24. Kimbal capped the comeback with a decisive kill, securing the set 26-24 and giving the Cougars a 2-0 lead in the match.
Collin wasted no time in the third set, jumping out to a 5-1 lead behind back-to-back kills from Brinkley and a block by Oge and Brinkley. The Cougars continued to apply pressure as an ace from Kimbal and another kill from Brinkley extended the advantage to 17-8, the largest lead of the match. Richland struggled to close the gap, and a late serving error sealed their fate. Collin clinched the set 25-18, securing the sweep and the victory.
WHAT COACH WELLS HAD TO SAY:
"I acknowledge the gap since our last volleyball program, which makes this victory even more significant," said Head Coach Grace Wells. "It was a much-needed win that has bolstered our athletes' confidence as we move forward in the season. We are committed to continuous improvement and striving to reach the next level."
MATCH NOTES
This match marked Collin's first volleyball match since 2003, the program's first win since the program was reinstated, and the official start of the 2025-26 season.
UP NEXT
The Cougars (3-2, 0-0) host Temple College (3-2, 0-0) in their conference-opener on Sep. 3, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Frisco Campus Gymnasium. Admission is free for staff and students with an ID. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue.
Match information, news, and more can be found at https://athletics.collin.edu.