CROOKSTON, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Crookston volleyball team will return home to face Winona State University Friday and Upper Iowa University Saturday. The Golden Eagles are 8-8 (2-6 NSIC). This will be the first weekend that UMC hasn't played at least one ranked team after playing at least one in each of the last three weekend. The Golden Eagles will look to improve their conference record as they take on the Warriors and the Peacocks.
Previewing the Golden Eagles The Golden Eagles are coming off a strong weekend as they made some changes against Minnesota State University and Concordia University, St. Paul. The Golden Eagles picked up a 3-1 win over Minnesota State, marking their first-ever win over the Mavericks away from the friendly confines of Lysaker Gymnasium. The Golden Eagles switched to a 6-2 system on the weekend utilizing two setters with
Sierra Trost and
Kaycie Hagen. In addition, the Golden Eagles utilizied freshman
Becca Vandenheuvel at libero for the first time this season.
Minnesota Crookston has been led this season by
Brittany Looker, who has 4.50 kills per set this season with 2.67 digs per set. Looker surpassed Allison Kluck last weekend to become the all-time kills leader for the Golden Eagles. In addition to Looker,
Kassi Green has had a strong start to her career. The right side hitter has 1.91 kills per set.
Previewing the Warriors The Winona State Warriors are 11-3 (6-2 NSIC) in Joe Getzin's first year in Winona. Getzin comes over from the University of Mississippi. Winona State has been led by freshman outside hitter Danielle Rampart, who is averaging 4.16 kills per set, while McKenna Larsen has 9.69 assists per set and libero Jamie Cairncross has 4.24 digs per set.
Previewing the Peacocks Upper Iowa is 8-8 (3-5 NSIC). The Peacocks are led by outside hitter Jennifer Mundt, who comes in with 4.19 kills per set. Hailey Brown averages 5.66 assists per set, to lead the team. Defensively, Amanda Weiss leads the way with 4.48 digs per set.
Oct. 10-11, 2014 • Crookston, Minn.• Lysaker GymnasiumOct. 10 - 7 p.m. vs. Winona State
Oct. 11 - 4 p.m. vs Upper Iowa
Video:
http://portal.stretchinternet.com/crk/#liveEventsTabLive Stats:
http://www.sidearmstats.com/umcrookston/wvball/ #5StoryLines1. Can the Golden Eagles find consistency in the 6-2 like they did against Minnesota State?
2. Will
Becca Vandenheuvel be the permanent solution at libero?
3. Can
Brittany Looker continue to build on the success she has had through first 16 matches?
4. Can the Golden Eagles improve their standing in the league with a successful home weekend against Winona State and Upper Iowa?
5. Will
Brittany Looker get her 1,000th dig this weekend to become the third player in school history to have 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs?
