After four matches in a row on the road, the Eastern Michigan University women’s volleyball team returns home for two in a row at the Convocation Center. On Oct. 12 they take on the Bowling Green State Falcons and Oct. 13 they will go up against the Miami Redbirds from Ohio.
The Eagles (13-9, 3-3 Mid-American Conference) have won their last two matches and hope to continue their winning streak. One key factor for the team to continue its success will be for senior outside hitter Rachel Iaquaniello to continue her strong year up front. She leads the team and the MAC with 354 kills so far this year.
Redshirt junior setter Kim Hildreth is also having a strong year. She has 511 assists for the season, which leads the team and also has her ranked tenth in the MAC. If Hildreth and Iaquaniello can establish a good offensive attack, the team should have no problem against the Falcons and Miami.
The Falcons are having a good season so far. They have a 11-7 record overall and are currently sporting a seven match winning streak that are all conference games. They most recently defeated the Western Michigan University Broncos in five sets Oct. 6 and beat Oakland University Oct. 9 at home.
The Falcons’ junior Paige Penrod, who as of press date has 253 kills on the year is second in the MAC to Iaquaniello. In addition to junior setter Laura Avila, ranked fourth in the MAC with 659 assists, the Falcons have a formidable offensive attack.
Miami, on the other hand, is having a less than stellar season. At 5-14, they are in last place in the MAC East as of press date. The Redhawks are also on an eight match losing streak.
Their offensive attack is led by senior setter Amy Kendall, who is ranked tenth in the MAC in service aces with 20. Another of their offensive stars is sophomore setter/outside hitter Meg Riley who has 227 kills this year in addition to 300 assists.
Both of the matches are scheduled to start at 7 p.m. from the Convo. The Bowling Green match will also be shown on tape-delay throughout the week on Eagle All-Access.
