Volleyball Looks to Rebound in Bellevue
SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. (August 30, 2013) -- The Golden Eagle volleyball squad will look to rebound from its first loss of the season on Monday as it faces a pair of unfamiliar foes when it takes on Doane (Neb.) and Dordt (Iowa) on the first day of the Bellevue (Neb.) tournament.
The Golden Eagles (2-1) most recently fell on Monday (Aug. 24) in its first road matchup at Ozarks (Mo.). After falling into a 2-0 deficit, John Brown was able to rally back to tie the match at four, only to fall in the fifth set, 3-2 (20-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-11, 10-15).
Sophomore outside hitter Audrey Dearien led all players with 17 kills and posted a team-high 17 digs, clinching her second double-double of the season. Overall, JBU only able to hit at a .172 clip, allowing Ozarks a .201 hitting percentage. Senior Kailey Bain landed a game-high 27 assists while Daniels added 17.
Friday's matchups won't come any easier for the Golden Eagles as both Doane and Dordt received votes in the NAIA's preseason poll. Doane enters the day 1-3 while Dordt boasts a 3-1 record as both teams played in the Northwestern (Iowa) Red Raider Classic tournament last weekend.
Doane is led by senior outside hitter Ashley Axmann, who earned 57 kills over the four-match weekend. Defensively, the Tigers are paced by Karissa Blank, as she notched 75 digs in the Red Raider Classic.
The Tigers don't hit well as a team, managing a .131 hitting percentage, but its defense holds its opponents to a similarly weak number, .156 percent. While its defensive reception is very good, Doane also boasts a strong block, posting 16 on the season, a number the Golden Eagle offense will look maneuver around.
Dordt poses a different threat as its tall middle powers the Defender attack. Senior middle blocker Lindsey Floen and freshman middle/outside hitter Brooke Wolterstorff combined for 90 kills in four matches so far, 43 and 47, respectively.
The Defenders are not strong on the block, landing just six so far this season, but are ranked No. 5 in the nation in digs per game (19.53), led by senior defensive specialist Kayla Broekhuis.
A surprise for John Brown has been points off service. The Golden Eagles are ranked No. 20 in the nation in service aces per game (2.27), led by the trio of Dearien, freshman setter Shayna Daniels and senior defensive specialist Staci Williamson. JBU also finds itself ranked No. 37 in total hitting percentage (.222) as Dearien paces the Golden Eagles with an impressive .425 percent efficiency.
The match against Doane will begin at 9:00 a.m. John Brown will then receive a few hours off before returning to the court at 3:00 p.m. to face Dordt.
