After going 2-1 in regular season play, the SmartAces are ranked ninth in the women’s competitive intramural volleyball league and are set to play the first round of playoffs at 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20 at the Student Recreation Center. The game was rescheduled from before spring break.

The SmartAces are on a one-win streak after losing against I’d Hit That in the second game of the season. The SmartAces’ first round playoff opponent, the 2-1 Gold Diggers, are ranked 11th and have been on a two-game winning streak.

While playing with only four on the floor for most of the season, the SmartAces captain said the team has added communication sophomore Theresa Terrones to the lineup.

“We just kind of make the best of it and have fun,” biomedical sciences junior Blakeli Duckworth said. “Sometimes we do amazing with less than six and other times it’s not the best, but we’re just here to have fun.”

Now in her sixth semester playing for competitive and recreational intramural teams, Duckworth said she has also played both sand volleyball and outdoor soccer.

“Me and [biomedical sciences senior] Taylor [Wilson] have been on a lot of teams and wanted a name that was funny but also kind of sassy, and that’s how SmartAces formed,” Duckworth said.

As a member of the women’s competitive rec volleyball league, Duckworth said her favorite part has been playing the sport she loves with her friends and having a great time.

“I think that intramural sports is a great way for students to stay active and involved while in college, and it’s a great way to meet new people and make new friends,” Duckworth said.

Teams play three games in February to determine ranking in women’s competitive recreational volleyball. Top winning team captains choose playoff times against similarly ranked opponents in a single-elimination tournament.

Originally scheduled to play March 7, time conflicts for SmartAces forced a reschedule.

Idani Cantu is an agricultural communications and journalism senior and contributed this from the course JOUR 359, Reporting Sports, to The Battalion.