RESTING UP: Seattle University received extra practice time this week based on playing only one match, Saturday’s contest against travel partner Utah Valley. The Redhawks start the second half of the conference season tied with the Wolverines for fourth place in the league standings, but just one game behind second place and a possible bye into the WAC Tournament semifinals.
LAST WEEK: Seattle University split its matches last weekend, losing to Bakersfield 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-13) before defeating Grand Canyon 3-1 (25-22, 33-31, 24-26, 25-21). The Redhawks struggled defensively against Bakersfield, earning less than 10 digs per set as the Roadrunners hit .315 in the match, including .708 in the first set. Jelena Vujcin led the Redhawks offensively with 10 kills, while Martina Samadan collected seven kills and Stephanie Stoll participated in seven of the team’s nine blocks. Seattle U played much better in the back against Grand Canyon, earning nearly 18 digs per set in the match, with four players reaching double figures in digs. Samadan collected a career-high 24 kills, with Kerry Lane (54 assists, 17 digs) and Iris Ivanis (12 kills, 12 digs) each notching double-doubles. Vujcin contributed 11 kills in the match, and Shelby Babcock finished with 16 defensive digs.
DIG PINK: Saturday is the annual Dig Pink match, as the Seattle University volleyball team helps raise awareness and money towards breast cancer research. All fans are encouraged to wear pink to the match, and the first 100 fans will receive pink headbands. There will be opportunities for everyone to make a donation to assist in the battle against this disease.
NCAA STATISTICAL RANKINGS: In the latest NCAA statistical rankings released Oct. 23, Martina Samadan is 41st in Division I in blocks per set (1.29), followed by Stephanie Stoll in 92nd place (1.16). As a team, the Redhawks are now in 27th place in the country in team blocks per set (2.65).
WAC DIGITAL NETWORK: Saturday’s match against Utah Valley will be streamed by the WAC Digital Network, a new system of live video streaming being rolled out by the conference office. The link will be available on the volleyball schedule page of GoSeattleU.com.