THE FLORIDA SWING: For the second time in three seasons, the Seattle University volleyball team is taking advantage of its independent status by making a cross country trip to Florida. Atlantic Sun schools North Florida, Jacksonville, and Stetson will welcome the Redhawks, who will play three matches in a span of about 40 hours. Seattle U is looking for more consistency, as it comes into the weekend alternating wins and losses in six straight matches.
LAST WEEK: Seattle University allowed San Diego State to take significant leads throughout the night, and efforts to come from behind fell short as the Aztecs earned a 3-0 victory (25-20, 25-21, 26-24) last Friday night at Peterson Gym. Cristin Richards led the Redhawks with 16 kills, plus she collected eight digs and three block assists. Sarah Jaeckel and Allison Farley each finished with eight kills, while Jamie Mellies notched a double-double with 37 assists and 10 digs. Defensively, Jordan Keller led the way at the net with five block assists, and Emily Deleissegues paced the backline with 13 digs. The seniors stepped forward on Senior Day, and the rest of the Seattle University volleyball team came along with them, as the Redhawks posted a 3-0 victory (25-14, 25-22, 25-21) over Montana State Sunday afternoon at the Connolly Center Mellies ran a solid offense with 40 assists along with seven digs. Richards led the way with 15 kills, two service aces, and three block assists, followed closely by Jaeckel with 14 kills and two service aces and senior Janet Beckerman with 11 kills and a .450 hitting percentage. Deleissegues, the third member of the senior trio, led the team with 13 defensive digs.
THE FUTURE: After this weekend's road trip, Seattle University will have 12 days off from competition before facing Cal State Bakersfield in back-to-back matches Nov. 5-6 in Bakersfield, Calif. After another 12-day layoff, the Independent Tournament will begin at the Connolly Center. Seattle University, Cal State Bakersfield, and North Carolina Central will play each other in a round-robin format Friday, Nov. 19. Based on those matches, the three teams will be ranked for Saturday's bracket play. The top seed will receive a bye into the championship match, while the other two teams will face off earlier Saturday for the right to play in the title contest. Seattle University's season concludes Thanksgiving weekend with matches against Akron and Long Beach State in Long Beach, Calif.
SCOUTING NORTH FLORIDA: The Ospreys come into Thursday's match with a 5-17 record, including a 4-5 record at home. North Florida suffered a five-set loss to crosstown rival Jacksonville Tuesday night. Paige Pridgeon leads the team offensively with 310 kills and 21 service aces, with Jessica Catelano contributing 190 kills and 17 service aces. Britt Claessens has collected 713 assists as well as 21 service aces of her own. Dagnija Medina has earned 147 kills, 18 services aces, and a team-high 67 total blocks so far this season. In the back, Nicole Baran leads the way with 333 defensive digs.
SCOUTING JACKSONVILLE: The Dolphins enter Friday's match with a 12-11 record after Tuesday's five-set victory over North Florida, coming back from a 2-1 deficit to pick up the victory. Jacksonville has posted a 5-1 record at home so far this season. Aidan Yeager leads the team with 221 kills and 74 total blocks, plus she has earned 29 service aces. Kathryn Kane is second on the squad with 205 kills and 194 digs. Kendall Courtney runs the offense, collecting 840 assists, plus she leads the team with 44 service aces and is third on the squad with 164 digs. Defensively, Ashley August leads the backline with 296 defensive digs.
SCOUTING STETSON: The Hatters enter Saturday's match with a 1-20 overall record, with their only victory coming at home against Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 3. The Hatters are coming off home losses to Kennesaw State and Mercer. Kaley Melville leads the team offensively with 180 kills, plus she is second on the squad with 223 defensive digs. Kelli Carneal has dished out 562 assists so far this season. Kaylee Ream leads the team with 24 service aces. Defensively, Ellen Hawks leads at the net with 66 total blocks, followed by Sam Freeman with 58 total blocks. In the back, Monique Russell paces the team with 329 defensive digs.
2008 TRIP TO THE SOUTH: Seattle University made a similar trip during the 2008 season, the team's first playing a full Division I schedule. The trip began with a four-set loss to Jacksonville at Swisher Gymnasium (25-13, 25-21, 23-25, 25-16). Jacksonville collected 19 service aces during the match. Cristin Richards led the Redhawks with 14 kills, while Jordan Keller contributed seven kills and six total blocks. The next day, Seattle U recovered and swept North Florida at UNF Arena (25-16, 25-23, 25-22). Kaytlyn Dill led the way with ten kills, and Keller finished with six kills and six total blocks. The trip concluded for the Redhawks with a sweep of Savannah State, as Seattle U posted a .407 hitting percentage and 12 service aces.