3 Things You Need To Know: Volleyball vs. Northeastern
11/12/2014 4:55:00 PM | Volleyball
CHARLESTON, S.C. – With just two matches to go in the 2014 regular season, College of Charleston volleyball has flown north to take on 2013 Colonial Athletic Association runners-up, Northeastern.
Here are the three things you need to know ahead of tonight's 7p.m. match at the Cabot Center:
1) THE COUGARS CONTROL THEIR OWN DESTINY
Having already racked up 20 wins in 2014, the Cougars head in to their final two matches against Northeastern and Hofstra with full control of their conference destiny. The College currently sits alone in first place atop the CAA standings (20-9 12-2 CAA), but second place Hofstra (24-4 11-2 CAA) still have a game in hand, and despite having to play three match over the next four days, boast one of the best all-around attacks of any team in the league.
If the stars align and both teams are able to win out, the conference championship could be decided on the final night of the regular season, as the Cougars head to Hempstead, N.Y., for a Friday night showdown with the Pride at Hofstra Arena. The regular season champions are then given hosting rights to the 2014 CAA Championships.
Incredibly, the Cougars have claimed a conference championship – either the regular season or tournament – in each of the last 13 campaigns for a streak that currently ranks second in all of NCAA Division I volleyball. Also of note: since joining the Colonial Athletic Association prior to the start of the 2013 season, the Cougars have been dominant, managing a 25-3 overall conference record.
2) A TOUGH NORTHEASTERN TEAM STANDS IN THE WAY
With tonight's match nearing ever-closer, the Cougars will need to be wary of looking ahead as standing in their way is a talented Northeastern team, one certainly capable of upsetting any team in the league. The defending 2013 conference regular season and tournament runners-up were picked to finish third in the preseason coaches' poll – behind CofC and James Madison – but despite their talent, the Huskies have struggled to find their form throughout the year. Entering the match with a 10-17 (2-11 CAA) record, the Huskies are led by 2013 conference rookie of the year and second-team all-CAA performer Jamie Bredahl (14 double-doubles), as well as senior libero Natalia Skiba – who leads the conference in total digs with 585.
3) THE COUGARS SENIOR CLASS HAS BEEN TREMENDOUS
The 2014 College of Charleston volleyball senior class has been fantastic lately, guiding CofC to 15 wins in their last 17 matches. After battling through some early season inconsistencies, the seniors, led by hitters Cara Howley and Sloane White have led the charge offensively, racking up a combined 670 kills while senior libero Andi Zbojniewicz has made a case for CAA defensive player of the year with a league best 321 digs through 14 conference matches. Returning CAA setter-of-the year Kallie McKown has been superb again in 2014, leading the league in double-doubles with 21 (ten more than any other non-CofC player), while also dishing out 345 assists in conference play. Also contributing has been middle-blocker Catey Warren who has been clutch for the Cougars as of late, helping CofC to a critical five-set, come from behind win at Delaware with five blocks and a .750 hitting percentage. Syracuse transfer Bailey Humes has also come on strong in recent contests, seeing her minutes increase and providing the Cougars with extra support along the back row.
FOLLOW TONIGHT'S MATCH LIVE:
Live Stats: http://bit.ly/1pRkzik
Live Stream: http://bit.ly/1tHgng0
