BEL AIR, Md. - The interesting journey of freshman volleyball star Lexie Roberts has led to unprecedented success for the Harford volleyball team. While posting All-American type numbers in her first collegiate season, the only number that matters for the outside hitter isn't kills or aces, but wins.

Roberts, a breakout star for the Region XX Champion Fighting Owl volleyball team, is originally from nearby Jarretsville, Md., but spent her high school volleyball years in the Palmetto State. In her freshman campaign, Roberts has led the Fighting Owls to their best season in program history while leading the conference in kills and aces. Her totals also rank in the top five nationally.

Surprisingly, she wasn't always the star player in South Carolina on her high school or club teams, but she took notes along the way, helping her develop into one of the best to ever don the Fighting Owls jersey.

"I knew that I wanted to continue playing volleyball in college, but after not getting too many Division I looks, I decided that going the junior college route was the best for me," Roberts stated.

The move from her family in her new home wasn't easy, but she knew that it was for the best. Roberts graduated a semester early from Lexington High School and moved into her grandmother's house in Jarrettsville in order to continue her volleyball career.

"It's difficult because I am very close with my parents and my brother," Roberts explained. "I only get to see them about once a month."

Grandma has made it a little bit easier, though. "She's the best. She spoils me with breakfast and great food, and before I have a chance to do it, she even does my laundry."

On the court, she hasn't always been the most vocal player, but she has learned to step into that leadership role along the way, especially from her club coaches. Not always being the best player on her team has taught Roberts to always work hard. As a short outside hitter, things haven't always been easy. But that's just the way she likes it.

The differences between South Carolina and Maryland is a little bit more than the "Southern Hospitality" that is common with the Palmetto State. "Up here, life is more fast-paced," she laughed. "I have to remember who likes to be called ma'am and who gets offended by that."

But the lifestyle isn't the only challenge she is facing. The volleyball styles are different, too, however, Roberts is using her knowledge of both to her advantage.

"The passing techniques are different down south," she said. "I get my intensity and demeanor from my time in South Carolina, but I just learn the pros and cons of both and use that to my advantage."

Roberts isn't the only one benefiting from that decision. While the Division I schools are likely to be lining up next year to get a peek at the powerful outside hitter, the Fighting Owls are savoring every minute of having her on the outside.

This season, Harford smashed the school record for wins with 17, topping the previous total of 12, and sits just one win away from the school's first trip to the NJCAA National Tournament. The Fighting Owls take on the Region XVI Champion on Saturday at 6 p.m. in Park Hills, Mo.

Hopefully, Fighting Owl fans have realized that, like her grandmother has done, Roberts has spoiled us with her presence both on and off the court this year.