EVANSVILLE, Ind. - The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team faces a tough road test this weekend when it visits Rockhurst University and Drury University. USI faces Rockhurst Friday at 7p.m. in Kansas City, Missouri, and Drury at 3 p.m. in Springfield, Missouri.
After losing to Bellarmine University in a five-set thriller last Saturday, the Screaming Eagles are looking to bounce back against Rockhurst and Drury. USI is 6-4 overall and 1-1 in conference play entering this weekend's matches.
The Eagles are looking for their first victory against Rockhurst in the school's history. Rockhurst enters the match 10-2 overall, 1-1 in conference play, after suffering their first conference loss to Drury in five sets. Drury currently has an 11-4 overall record, 2-0 in conference play, and is 10-1 in their last 11 matches.
USI is relying on its strong hitters, junior middle blocker
Danielle LaGrange and senior outside hitter
Brittani Oliver, to continue its hot start to the 2010 campaign. LaGrange is averaging 3.55 kills per set (kps) and has recorded 24 total blocks in the first 10 outings for the Eagles. Meanwhile, Oliver is averaging 3.05 kps and looks to continue climbing the ladder on the all-time kills list.
Head Coach
Leah Mercer is hoping that her freshmen continue to play fearlessly, especially freshman setter
Jorae Bradbury who has been an all around asset to the team. She is averaging 9.52 assists and 2.40 digs (dps) while totaling 11 blocks and 10 service aces.
Freshman middle blocker
Emily Diedrich has been a great presence in the middle and is currently tied with LaGrange for the team lead in blocks. Freshman defensive specialist
Kayla Heldman is second on the team in digs (2.40 dps) behind junior libero
Krista Coccaro, who is averaging 3.47 dps.
Coach Mercer knows her team faces a stiff challenge this weekend, but the Eagles are confident and optimistic in their first conference road trip of the season. She also understands two road wins in the conference will put her squad in good shape heading into the last half of the season.
USI resumes play at the PAC Tuesday night when it hosts Kentucky Wesleyan College at 7 p.m.
