Volleyball Travels to Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan This Weekend

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AKRON, Ohio- The University of Akron volleyball team hits the road for a two-game road trip with Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan this weekend. The Zips look to get their third conference win against the Eagles on Friday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m., followed by the Chippewas on Saturday, Oct. 21, for a 7 p.m. start in Mount Pleasant, Mich.

THIS WEEK
Akron opens up with Eastern Michigan on Friday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. at the Convocation Center in Ypsilanti, Mich. The Zips end their road trip with Central Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. at the McGuirk Arena in Mount Pleasant, Mich.

ESPN 3
Akron's games against Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan will both be broadcasted on ESPN 3.

GAMEDAY COVERAGE
Akron vs. Eastern Michigan
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Akron vs. Central Michigan
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MEET THE ZIPS
The Akron Zips, under the guidance of third-year head coach Tom Hanna, stand at 6-14 overall and 2-6 in Mid-American Conference play after their two-match homestand last weekend. The Zips fell to Western Michigan in a 3-1 (16-25, 25-14, 23-25, 24-26) decision, before falling to Northern Illinois, 3-2 (22-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-20,11-15).

Akron returns six starters from a year ago, while welcoming seven newcomers, including six freshmen. After 20 contests, junior Kayla Gwozdz (Temperance, Mich.) leads the Zips with 273 kills, averaging 3.59 kills per set, followed by junior Madi Baer (Stow, Ohio) with 152 kills. Freshman Taylor Sharrits (Concord, Ohio) directs the defense with 302 digs, averaging 3.92 digs per set.

ZIPS NATIONALLY RANKED
Junior left side hitter Kayla Gwozdz is nationally rated in two categories. Gwozdz is ranked 43rd in attacks per set (9.57) and 45th in total attacks (850). Freshman setter Emily Weigand (Burton, Ohio) is rated 45th in service aces (29), 73rd in total assists (737), and 86th in assists per set (.38).

IN MAC STATS
Kayla Gwozdz and Emily Weigand are ranked among the top-five in three categories in Mid-American Conference stats. Gwozdz is rated fifth in MAC stats in total attacks (850. Weigand is ranked second in service aces (29), and assists per set (.38).

SCOUTING EASTERN MICHIGAN
The Eagles, under third-year coach Kimi Olsen, stand at 10-14 overall and 2-6 in conference play. Last weekend Eastern Michigan went 0-2 falling to Bowling Green, 3-1, followed by a 3-0 loss to Miami (Ohio). Freshman Franki Strefling leads Eastern Michigan's offense with 225 kills, averaging 2.65 kills per set. The Eagles' defense is paced by junior Alyssa LaFace with 298 digs, averaging 4.81 digs per set.

SERIES VS. EASTERN MICHIGAN
Akron holds a 19-17 all-time series advantage over Eastern Michigan. The two teams met each other last season on Oct. 21, 2016, as the Zips fell to the Eagles in a 3-0 (22-25, 19-25, 21-25) decision. This weekend marks the 37th meeting between the two teams.

SCOUTING CENTRAL MICHIGAN
The Chippewas, under the second-year head coach Mike Gawlik, stand at 10-10 overall and 2-6 in Mid-American Conference play. Last weekend, Central Michigan went 0-2 falling at Miami (Ohio) 3-1, followed by a 3-0 loss at Bowling Green. Senior Jordan Bueter leads the offense with 302 kills, averaging 4.14 kills per set, while the defense is paced by sophomore Megan Kern with 281 digs, averaging 3.80 digs per set.

SERIES VS. CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Central Michigan holds a 19-13 all-time series advantage over Akron. The Zips registered a 3-2 (26-24, 25-23, 21-25, 23-25, 15-8) victory over the Chippewas, Oct. 22, 2016. This match marks the 33rd 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 Ohio on Friday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. in Athens, Ohio. Akron then close out its trip at Kent State on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. in Kent, Ohio in the final installment of the Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge match on the volleyball court in 2017

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Players Mentioned

Madi Baer

Kayla Gwozdz

Taylor Sharrits

Emily Weigand

The University of Akron Athletics