The University of Akron Athletics
Volleyball Preps for Biggest Homestand of Season
October 18 | Women's Volleyball
The University of Akron volleyball team will play the first of
four consecutive home matches this week with contests against Miami
(Ohio) on Friday at 7 p.m. and Bowling Green Saturday at 3 p.m. The
homestand continues next week when Central and Eastern Michigan
roll into town on Friday and Saturday.
Akron vs. Miami University (9-12, 5-3 MAC)
All-Time Series Record: 11-25; Last 5 Meetings: 1-4
Miami comes to town having won its last five matches and has
defeated its opponent in straight sets in its last four after 3-0
victories at Eastern and Central Michigan last weekend. The
RedHawks' current win streak is their longest since 1999 when they
matched that feat twice. They are led statistically by Emily
Schroeder (318 kills; 4.08/game), Andrea Atteberry (830 assists;
10.64/game) and Melissa Zenz (320 digs; 4.32/game). The RedHawks
are coached by Carolyn Condit, who is in her 24th season at the
helm.
In 2006: Date Site Result Score
10/5 Oxford, Ohio L 0-3 (27-30, 23-30, 23-30)
Akron vs. Bowling Green (18-2, 8-0 MAC)
All-Time Series Record: 15-19; Last 5 meetings: 0-5
The Falcons are one of the hottest teams in the nation, having won
14 straight contests - their longest win streak in school history -
and 18 of their last 19. During its current streak, BGSU is hitting
.312 as a team while holding its opponents to a .130 mark. The
Falcons have also recorded four straight 3-0 victories. They are
led statistically by Corey Domek (220 kills; 3.38/game), Chrissy
Gothke (863 assists; 12.51/game) and Chelsey Meek (325 digs;
5.16/game). Bowling Green is coached by Denise Van De Walle, who is
in her 24th season at the helm.
Home Healing
Akron is hoping that a change of scenery will change the team's
recent fortunes as it will play its next four matches and five of
its next six at Rhodes Arena. The Zips played 12 of their first 13
matches on the road this season and have had just five matches at
home through 22 contests. Akron is 2-3 on its home floor with wins
over Youngstown State (3-0; Sept. 5) and Kent State (3-2; Sept.
21).
Another Bad Break
The Zips, who are already playing without top-returning offensive
player
Jennifer Stewart (Kentwood,
Mich./East Kentwood), got some more bad news when they learned that
sophomore
Catherine Wolfe (Milford,
Ohio/Cincinnati Ursuline) would also miss the remainder of the
season. Akron had been holding hope that Wolfe, who had
season-ending surgery on her shoulder last week, would be able to
return to the floor at some point this year. Wolfe recorded 25
kills, 23 blocks (five solo) and seven digs while playing in 41
games as a freshman last year. Wolfe is just one of four players
listed at 6-feet or more on the UA roster.
Record Watch Update
With 237 kills through 22 matches this season, junior Molly
Rutledge (Wooster, Ohio/Wooster) has notched 960 kills in
two-plus seasons with the Zips, which leaves her just 89 kills
short of 10th place on the school's all-time list. The middle
hitter has also posted 289 points in 2006; just 24.5 points shy of
10th place on the school's single season list. Freshman Brionna
Patterson (Sandusky, Ohio/Sandusky), who leads the Zips with
247 kills and 25 aces, is on a quicker points pace as she is just
16 points away from 10th place. Points, a statistic started in
2003, are the sum of a player's total kills, service aces, block
solos and 50 percent of block assists.
Giving Back
The Zips players were reminded of the positive impact that they
can make on the lives of children last week when a group of select
youngsters from McEbright Elementary came to watch their match
against IPFW. Mary Breiding, who uses Akron volleyball matches as a
reward for students who display good behavior and are committed to
their academic work, began bringing her students to Zips matches
last year because she believes that they need more positive role
models in their lives. The children came prepared with signs that
they created to display their excitement about UA volleyball and
got to meet the team after the match. "We love the enthusiasm that
the young kids have and we want to thank Mrs. Breiding for her
commitment to her students and for supporting Akron volleyball,"
said assistant volleyball coach Jenn Snyder.
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| The UA volleyball team
poses with students from McEbright Elementary last week after their
match against IPFW. |
