Volleyball Seeks End to Losing Skid Against Evangel
SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. (September 10, 2013) -- The Golden Eagle volleyball team will look to put an end to its two-game losing streak, suffering defeats in six of its last eight matches, when it faces Evangel (Mo.) tonight in Bill George Arena at 6:00 p.m.
The Crusaders (5-6) enter tonight's match winners of its last three matches, earning victories over Ozarks (Mo.), Tabor (Kan.) and William Woods (Mo.). Before its current three-match winning streak, Evangel had suffered five-consecutive defeats, losing most notably to No. 14 Park (Mo.), No. 2 Columbia (Mo.) and No. 24 Grand View (Iowa).
Evangel is paced on offense by Micah Cribbs who averages 3.04 kills per game (137 total) and Haley Watson's 97 kills (2.16 average). On defense, Mallory Sidwell-Carter anchors the back line, landing 174 total digs (3.87 average). The passing game of the Crusaders is controlled by Chloe Hadley's 169 assists (3.76 average).
The Crusaders rank highly in many national categories, most notable in blocks (10th) at 103.5, blocks per game (17th) at 2.30 and total digs (20th) at 757.
John Brown is currently 4-7 overall and is still led by Audrey Dearien on the attack as the sophomore outside hitter leads the team with 117 kills (3.08 per game). In second place on the squad is Erin McIlroy's 91 total kills (2.39 per game). Defensively, Staci Williamson has continued her strong play this season, earning 160 total digs and averaging 4.21 per game. Finally, setters Kailey Bain and Shayna Daniels have both contributed well to running the JBU offense, chipping in with 181 and 186 assists, respectively.
