Volleyball Hosts Western Michigan and Northern Illinois This Weekend

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AKRON, Ohio- The University of Akron volleyball team returns home this weekend to host Western Michigan and Northern Illinois. The Zips look to get their third conference win against the Broncos on Friday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m., followed by the Huskies on Saturday, Oct. 15, for a 5 p.m. start in Akron, Ohio.

THIS WEEK
This weekend's homestand will serve as Akron's Dig for a Cure matches in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Akron opens with the MAC West leader, Western Michigan on Friday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. The Zips close their homestand on Saturday, Oct. 14, against Northern Illinois at 5 p.m. at the James A. Rhodes Arena.

DIG FOR A CURE
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Akron will hold its yearly Dig for a Cure match. The Zips will be in pink for both matches and will be holding a Bra drive to donate to Haven of Rest.

ESPN 3
Akron's game against Northern Illinois will be televised on ESPN 3. Dave Bacon will serve as play-by-play announcer with Jon Horton on color.

GAMEDAY COVERAGE
Akron vs. Western Michigan
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Akron vs. Northern Illinois
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MEET THE ZIPS
The Akron Zips, under the guidance of third-year head coach Tom Hanna, stand at 6-12 overall and 2-4 in Mid-American Conference play after their two-match road trip last weekend. The Zips fell to Miami (Ohio) in a 3-1 (25-22, 15-25, 18-25, 18-25) decision, before falling to Bowling Green, 3-0 (16-25, 23-25, 19-25).

Akron returns six starters from a year ago, while welcoming seven newcomers, including sx freshmen. After 18 contests, junior Kayla Gwozdz (Temperance, Mich.) leads the Zips with 245 kills, averaging 3.66 kills per set, followed by junior Madi Baer (Stow, Ohio) with 136 kills. Freshman Taylor Sharrits (Concord, Ohio) directs the defense with 268 digs, averaging 3.94 digs per set.

ZIPS NATIONALLY RANKED
Junior left side hitter Kayla Gwozdz is nationally rated among three categories. Gwozdz is ranked 47th in attacks per set (11.09), 96th in kills per set (3.66), and 98th in total kills (245). Freshman setter Emily Weigand (Burton, Ohio) is rated 57th in service aces (26), 79th in total assists (651), and 82nd in aces per set (.38).

IN MAC STATS
Kayla Gwozdz and Emily Weigand are ranked among the top-five in four categories in Mid-American Conference stats. Gwozdz is rated fourth in MAC stats in attacks per set (11.09), and fifth in kills per set (3.66). Weigand is ranked third in service aces (26), and aces per set (.38).

SCOUTING WESTERN MICHIGAN
The Broncos, under the 12th-year head coach Colleen Munson, stand 11-6 overall and 4-2 in conference play. Last weekend, Western Michigan went 0-2 in a two-game road series. The Broncos fell to Ball State, 3-1, followed by a 3-1 loss to Toledo. Sophomore Quiana Ware leads Western Michigan's offense with 209 kills, averaging 3.13 kills per set. The Broncos' defense is paced by sophomore Kathleen Reilly with 346 digs, averaging 5.16 digs per set.

SERIES AGAINST WESTERN MICHIGAN
Western Michigan holds a 21-11 all-time series advantage over Akron. The two teams met each other last season on Oct. 14, 2016, as the Zips fell to the Broncos in a 3-0 (18-25, 19-25, 19-25) decision. This weekend marks the 33rd meeting between the two teams.

SCOUTING NORTHERN ILLINOIS
The Huskies, under the 15^th-year head coach Ray Gooden, stand 4-17 overall and 3-3 in Mid-American Conference play. Last weekend, Northern Illinois finished 2-0 on the road. The Huskies completed a 3-1 victory over Toledo, followed by a 3-2 triumph at Ball State. Freshman Kaylee Martin leads the Huskies' offense with 263 kills, averaging 3.70 kills per set. Northern Illinois' defense is paced by senior Anna Brereton with 327 digs, averaging 4.25 digs per set.

SERIES VS. NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Northern Illinois holds a 25-8 all-time series advantage over Akron. The Huskies registered a 3-2 (18-25, 25-18, 25-18, 16-25, 12-15) victory over the Zips, Oct. 15, 2016. This match marks the 34th meeting between the two teams.

UP NEXT FOR THE ZIPS
Akron is back on the road for a two-game road swing. The Zips open with Eastern Michigan on Friday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. in Ypsilanti, Mich., then close out their trip at Central Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. in Mount Pleasant, Mich.

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Players Mentioned

Madi Baer

Kayla Gwozdz

Taylor Sharrits

Emily Weigand

The University of Akron Athletics