ST. DAVIDS, Pa.– For the second time this week, an Eastern University team will host a team at the top of the Division III rankings. On Friday night at 6:30, No. 12 Eastern University Volleyball will host top ranked and unbeaten Juniata College in a match that will have significant national and regional ranking implications.
The Juniata Eagles (12-0) come into Friday's contest with an impressive array of attacking talent. They have beaten four nationally ranked opponents. Their most impressive win came in a five-set tilt at Christopher Newport University this past Saturday. Mar-Jana Phillips registered 15 kills and Megan Moroney and Nakita Gearhart each picked up 12 kills as the Eagles handed the Captains their first loss of the season. Kelly Reynolds had 47 assists to lead the Juniata attack. Those three hitters, along with junior outside hitter Brittanie Tannenbaum all average over two kills per set.
The Eastern Eagles (13-2) have won seven straight matches.
Stephanie Elechko leads the Eastern hitters with 3.19 kills per set.
Erin Hillman,
Morgan Shemonski, and
Alicia Weigel also average over 2.4 kills per set.
Michelle Paulsen and
Kaitlyn Gochenauer give the Eagles a potent blocking tandem in the middle of the court. Paulsen has 63 blocks in her first 15 collegiate matches.
The Eagles rely on great passing to initiate their offense.
Rylie Haas plays a critical role in Eastern's defense and serve receive. The junior libero has 1532 career digs. She is ranked third on Eastern's career dig list. She will likely move ahead of four-time All-American Courtney Reinhold (1,545 Digs) this weekend.
Rikki Schlager has run the Eastern offense with 10.43 assists per set.
The match is the first of three this weekend for the Eagles. They will host Mary Washington and Rowan on Saturday. All this weekend's matches will be able to be seen live on EagleVision and can be followed via livestats.
Friday night's match is a Superhero Celebration. Eastern fans are encouraged to attend the match dressed as their favorite superhero. There will be prizes for best and most creative costurmes as well as contests throughout the match.
