North Carolina State University Athletics
Wolfpack Volleyball Primed for Final Nonconference Weekend
9/18/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
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RALEIGH, N.C. – The NC State women’s volleyball team will look to continue its winning ways this weekend when it hosts the Courtyard Midtown Invitational inside Reynolds Coliseum. The three matches the Wolfpack is set to play will serve as the final nonconference contests before starting ACC play.
NC State will play its first match of the weekend against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday the Pack will take on William & Mary at 1 p.m. before returning to the court later that evening at 7 p.m. to face Howard.
Last Time Out
The Wolfpack enjoyed a very successful weekend in its most recent outing, compiling a 3-0 record last weekend to win the Georgia Benson Hospitality Invitational. State defeated Harvard, 3-1, and swept UNC Asheville (3-0), prior to earning a four-set win versus the host Bulldogs, 3-1.
Kearney for MVP
After a great weekend at the Georgia Invitational, freshman Kaitlyn Kearney was honored for her stellar play by receiving tournament MVP honors. She collected 36 kills on the weekend, an average of 3.27 kills per set.
On Monday, she was tabbed the ACC’s Freshman of the Week in recognition of her outstanding contributions to help the Wolfpack post a 3-0 record at the tournament.
Hot Streak
After dropping the first match of the season, NC State responded by winning its next eight matches and is currently on an eight-match win streak. During that span, the squad has served the ball much better and significantly decreased the number of errors committed.
Scouting Coastal Carolina
Coastal Carolina makes the trip to Raleigh with an 8-2 mark on the season, having won its last seven matches. The squad defeated College of Charleston on Tuesday, 3-1, and earned a 3-1 decision against Tennessee to complete action in its tournament last Saturday.
The Wolfpack and Chanticleers have met only twice on the court, with each side winning one match apiece.
The Chanticleers’ offensive attack is led by freshman Leah Hardeman with 157 kills or 3.83 kills per set. Sam Skryd is the team’s setter and has passed out 401 assists on the year. Jenna Orner serves as the libero and has collected 191 digs this season, an average of 4.66 digs per set.
Scouting William & Mary
The William & Mary Tribe enters the weekend with a 4-6 record on the season, after dropping its last three matches at the Clemson Classic. Saturday’s contest will be the 16th all-time meeting between the two schools with NC State holding an 8-7 advantage in the series.
Junior outside hitter Mallory Brickerd leads the Tribe offensively with 101 kills on the season, while classmate Dessi Koleva has put down 99 kills. Sophomore Stephanie Paul and freshman Austyn Ames have split time at the setter position with Paul handing out 191 assists and Ames 129. Defensively, sophomore Gabrielle Pe paces the squad with 151 digs.
Scouting Howard
The Howard Bison head down to the capital city the owner’s of a 6-5 record in 2014, following a perfect weekend at the Sugar Bowl Tournament. The squad defeated Florida Atlantic and Tulane, before concluding play in the event with a win over host Southeastern Louisiana.
Saturday’s contest will be the first meeting between the Wolfpack and Bison.
Freshman Khalia Donaldson paces the team offensively with 148 kills on the season, an average of 3.52 kills per set. Senior Stephanie Shultis handles the setting duties and has dished out 374 assists or 8.90 assists per set. Fellow senior Allyson Dods leads the team defensively with 129 digs or 3.07 digs per set.
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