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Baylor’s volleyball team isn’t anywhere near the biggest in the Big 12. The players know that — they’ve heard television commentators remark about it in broadcasts of their matches.

But the Bears have adopted the notion that they don’t have to possess a bunch of redwoods on the roster to get in the way. They can still be a nuisance at the net.

Baylor has elevated its blocking prowess in recent matches, and it’s helped fuel the team’s rise in the standings. Since being outblocked 16-3 in a four-set loss to No. 2-ranked Texas on Oct. 12, the Bears (18-6, 6-2) have recorded more blocks than each of their next three opponents, registering double-digit efforts in all three matches.

“Coach (Ryan McGuyre) always tells us that blocking is a mindset,” said junior hitter Camryn Freiberg. “We’re one of the shortest teams in the Big 12, and all the commentators are always saying that about us. So we’re not trying to prove anything to anyone, but we’re just trying to better each other and better everyone else around us.

“But I really think that, again, it’s just the mindset and going after every ball. It’s me versus the other person on the other side of the net. So, why not us? Why can’t we be the best blocking team in the country?”