Last Time Out:
The Eagles began their three-match home series losing 3-1 to Kennesaw on Friday before defeating Lipscomb 3-1. So far, the Eagles are tied for second place with Lipscomb despite having a better overall record. In the match against Lipscomb, the Eagles tallied a program-record 30 block assists along with two of the solo variety
What it do VanLiew?:
Sophomore Cortney VanLiew has been on point for offense. VanLiew currently leads the team with 250 kills. In both matches against Kennesaw and Lipscomb, VanLiew had a double-double. In fact, the Seymour, Indiana native has double-doubled in four straight matches, and had at least 10 kills in five straight matches.
Ms. 4,000:
Senior Maggie Rick continues for a milestone of her own: the all-time leader in assists. Rick currently 4,104 career assists, and is 305 away from passing Gigi Meyer (4,408) for the milestone of most overall.
In the matches against Kennesaw and Lipscomb, Rick had 57 assists and a double-double against Kennesaw.
Block Party With an Ax x3:
Defensively, freshman Dana Axner and the Block Party (seniors Sharonda Pickering and Kaiti Krivdo, juniors Dani Serrano and Giovanna "Giogio" Borgiotti, sophomore Snowy Burnam and freshman Tori Morris) lead the path for the Eagles. Axner leads the team with 290 digs (4.6 digs per set). Against Kennesaw and Lipscomb, Axner had a total of 39 digs (19 vs Kennesaw, 20 vs Lipscomb).
In fact, the Dublin, Ohio native has produced at least 10 digs in six straight matches and 20 or more on four occasions, including the record-breaking 39 digs against West Virginia. As a result, Axner was named A-SUN Freshman of the Week for the third time this season.
"Dana had another great weekend and continues to anchor our floor defense," Botsford said. "I thought her coverage and serving was much improved in these two matches and of course her ability to read the opposing hitters keeps progressing. What I really like is how engaged she is in recognizing how the games are unfolding and how she finds a way to make an impact. She is a focused competitor, and I know we are just scratching the surface of what she can become."
In fact, the Dublin, Ohio native has produced at least 10 digs in six straight matches and 20 or more on four occasions, including the record-breaking 39 digs against West Virginia. As a result, Axner was named A-SUN Freshman of the Week for the third time this season.
"Dana had another great weekend and continues to anchor our floor defense," Botsford said. "I thought her coverage and serving was much improved in these two matches and of course her ability to read the opposing hitters keeps progressing. What I really like is how engaged she is in recognizing how the games are unfolding and how she finds a way to make an impact. She is a focused competitor, and I know we are just scratching the surface of what she can become."
On the blocking side, the Block Party has produced a combined 269 total blocks including a program high 30 block assists against Lipscomb with Morris leading the way with nine total blocks.
Serrano leads the team with 81 total blocks and is second in conference behind UNF's Taryn Griffey while Pickering leads the A-SUN in hitting percentage (.445), and not only tops the conference in hitting percentage at .445 over 220 attempts, but has also taken over the No. 1 spot nationally as of Monday. She has had two or fewer errors in all but one match this year. In matches where she's had at least 10 attempts, she has hit at least .304 in every one.
Furthermore, she has raised her career hitting percentage to .404, which is just ahead of Cara Ziegler (.403, 2006-07) for the program's top spot. If she keeps up that pace, she will also finish her career atop the conference's all-time record book.
Digging on the Rhoades:
Like Rick, fellow senior Karissa Rhoades has been setting her sights on a milestone of her own by being the sixth player to reach 1,000 digs. Currently, Rhoades has 113 digs this season and 855 in her career. The Valrico native needs 145 more to reach the milestone
Furthermore, she has raised her career hitting percentage to .404, which is just ahead of Cara Ziegler (.403, 2006-07) for the program's top spot. If she keeps up that pace, she will also finish her career atop the conference's all-time record book.
Digging on the Rhoades:
Like Rick, fellow senior Karissa Rhoades has been setting her sights on a milestone of her own by being the sixth player to reach 1,000 digs. Currently, Rhoades has 113 digs this season and 855 in her career. The Valrico native needs 145 more to reach the milestone
Scouting Stetson:
The Hatters are coming off of shutting out NJIT and North Alabama at home, and are currently tied for fourth in conference with Liberty.
Offensively, junior Evi Deisa and senior Hao Jin pave the way for the Hatters.
Deisa leads the team in kills (193). In the matches against NJIT and North Alabama, the Latvian had 11 kills an 26 digs.
Jin is second on the team in kills (168) and leads the team in aces (16). Against NJIT and North Alabama, the native of Shijiazhuang, China had 15 kills and eight blocks.
Defensively, sophomore Chelcie Spence leads the team with 315 digs (second in conference). Against NJIT and North Alabama, Spence had 29 digs.
Along with Jin, redshirt junior Brianna Schmid also plays key for the Hatters defense as she leads the team with 75 blocks (Jin, 73). Against NJIT and North Alabama, the transfer from Robert Morris had seven blocks along with 10 kills.
Series History:
Overall, the Eagles are 19-2 against the Hatters. Last season, the Eagles swept the Hatters at home and in Deland. The Hatters last win against the Eagles was on Nov. 9, 2013 where they won 3-1 at FGCU.
How to Keep Up:
Livestats will be available and livestream will be on Facebook Live.
Fans can also keep up on Twitter:
FGCU: @FGCU_VB
Stetson: @StetsonVB
Promotions:
The doors will open at 5 P.M. where the theme is Mad Hatter Night. There is no specific color outing, but the following promotions are as noted for the theme:
1. Hat Contest!: Best fan hats will win prizes!
2. Stomp Stetson Rally Towels!: Stomp Stetson rally towels FREE to all FGCU fans
3. "Beat Cancer" Fundraiser: Pre-sale of pink shirt to support the American Cancer Society
4. Housing Challenge: Housing areas will compete for a winning banner in their hall
Livestats link: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=223097
Livestream link: facebook.com/fgcuvolleyball
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