ODESSA, Texas - The Texas Wesleyan volleyball team's motto for the entire season has been "No Turkey", which meant they didn't want to be home getting stuffed on Thanksgiving turkey when they could be at the national tournament. The Lady Rams delivered on that motto defeating Lubbock Christian, 3-1, Saturday afternoon in the NAIA Region VI Tournament.

     Texas Wesleyan (34-3), who was seeded fourth in the tournament, defeated top seed Houston Baptist, 3-0, and then the two-seeded Chaparrals in the final to gain the region's automatic berth in to the national tournament.

     The Lady Rams defeated Lubbock Christian, 30-28, 30-23, 8-30, 30-18.

     "Leadership played a big role in our success, not only in the tournament, but the entire season," head coach Rick Johansen said. "Our seniors played a big part and it was an entire team effort this tournament."

     Senior Tiffany Porterfield and junior Rachel Loftin both led the Lady Rams with 16 kills, while senior Nicky Davis added 12 kills. Senior Cortney Johansen led Texas Wesleyan with 51 assists, while junior Susan Taylor added 28 digs.

     This is the first national tournament appearance by Texas Wesleyan since 1994. The 34 victories are the most since the 1990 squad who had 39 victories and finished second in the nation.

     Texas Wesleyan advances to the 2004 NAIA National Volleyball Tournament to be held in San Diego, Calif. Pool play begins Dec. 1, with the championship match on Dec. 4th. Point Loma Nazarene is the host institution of the tournament.