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Led by seniors Haven Wray and Jaelyn Hodge, freshman Avery Scoggins and junior Jordan Wilson, “they were invested in making things better and being able to talk to one another and hold each other accountable,â€� said ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ volleyball head coach Charita Stubbs.

The Wildcats haven’t lost since early November and have won 10 straight matches. Getting to its 11th straight triumph would require ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ (23-9) taking down Bowling Green (25-9) on Tuesday in McKale Center for the National Invitational Volleyball Championship. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ beat Pacific, Wyoming and Northern Colorado in the first three rounds of the NIVC.

“They had a meeting after our Kansas State loss and they regrouped and talked about what is important to them and they put themselves in position to be more accountable with one another,� Stubbs said. “Any time you get a team that is led by the players, it’s much better than the coaching saying things time and time again. I also had bronchitis at the time, so I couldn’t talk anyway.

“When you have freshmen that say, ‘This is what we’re used to and this what we want to do,’ and seniors that say, ‘OK, let’s go out with a bang,’ you get a great formula there.�

Stubbs joined ESPN ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s “Spears & Aliâ€� this week to discuss the Wildcats’ NIVC run, lessons learned from her predecessor and how this season sets up UA for a bright future.

What would it mean for you and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ volleyball to win the NIVC title?

“It would mean everything. Yes, you want to get to the NCAA Tournament every chance you get, but we’re still playing and our group of players have never experienced playing this late in December. Getting the opportunity to do that and get practice and get reps with our younger kids, it’s absolutely awesome. It’s awesome to still be playing right now.�

How has it been working with Hodge and the other senior leaders on this team?

A: “In the beginning, Jaelyn was so quiet. She hates when I say it, but she didn’t talk for two years. Watching her grow and evolve and step into a leadership role — and embrace it — has been absolutely awesome to watch. I’m really excited for her to be in this type of arena so she’s ready as a professional athlete.�

What’s it like playing postseason volleyball at your home arena in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥?

A: “Watching what Adia (Barnes) has done with women’s basketball since she’s come on board, I remember coming into the gym and there was no one there during games. You could just walk in and sit anywhere you want. Now, there are assigned seats and it’s a crowd. That’s exactly what I want for volleyball. I think it’s possible and I think the community is there, they just have to come to the gym and see what we’re about. We have a great group of loyal fans, but we want to increase that. Going into (Tuesday’s) match, we want to get as many people as we can.�

What are some things you’ve learned from your predecessor Dave Rubio that have helped you lead the UA volleyball program in the last two seasons?

A: “It was a true honor to follow him but in the same breath, it was was a little intimidating, because of all he’s done and everything that he has accomplished. I’ve always been known as Dave’s assistant. They didn’t know my name, but knowing he endorsed me for this position and he’s been with me every step of the way, it means a ton. I’ve always said that he saved me three times in my life. He saved me as an athlete, he saved me to bring me back (as an assistant coach) and then saved me for this position. I’ll always be grateful for him and the belief he had in me. … He’s always been a trainer, a grinder. The first one in the office, last one out. He had a huge impact on me and he’s part of the reason why I work as hard as I do today.�

What’s your perspective of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s volleyball trajectory beyond this season?

A: “We’re moving in the right direction. We’re doing all of the things we’re supposed to do and we’re putting ourselves in a position to become a program that’s great again. Dave did such a wonderful job for so long and made sure our program is in a great position. He turned it over to me and now I want to do the same thing and go even further. It’s about getting winners in here and athletes investing into the program to be great.�