ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Eckerd volleyball team opens Sunshine State Conference play this weekend by hosting the conference's two preseason favorites, No. 16 Tampa on Friday and No. 22 Florida Southern on Saturday.
MATCH 9: Eckerd (6-2, 0-0 SSC) vs. #16 Tampa (5-2, 0-0 SSC) | Friday, 7:00 PM
MATCH 10: Eckerd vs. #22 Florida Southern (6-1, 0-0 SSC) | Saturday, 4:00 PM
COVERAGE: Stats |
Video
BALANCING ACT: The Tritons' attack so far this season has been very balanced, with five players averaging between 2.1 and 2.8 kills per set. Newcomer
Kali Boatwright leads the team's attack with 2.81 kills per set while hitting at a .251 clip.Â
Katie Arnette (2.70),
Lauryn Nelson (2.62),
Sarah Johnshoy (2.52) and
JaQuayla Baker (2.11) also average better than two kills per set.
SERVICE SUCCESS: Eckerd has been tough on its opponents at the service line this season, ranking second in the conference with 62 aces.Â
Arielle Erillo (15 aces) and
Kaitlyn Sibson (14) have been responsible for the majority of the points Eckerd has gained off of serves.
SCOUTING TAMPA: The Spartans enter SSC play on Friday with a 5-2 overall record, having lost twice on opening weekend at home to Henderson State (Ark.) in five sets and to Minnesota State-Mankato in four sets. UT bounced back to go a perfect 3-0 last weekend at the University of Indianapolis Invitational. The Spartans have relied heavily on Alle Stelogeannis (4.58 kills/set) and Katie McKiel (3.04 kills/set) to provide offense.
SCOUTING FLORIDA SOUTHERN: The Mocs have only experienced one blip on their early-season radar, a five-set loss to Metro State (Colo.) on September 2 in Portland, Oregon. Since then, FSC has won four straight matches, all by straight sets. The Mocs open SSC play on Friday hosting Saint Leo. Anna Tovo has been the team's catalyst on the attack, averaging 4.52 kills per set.
