Syracuse University
Brown University
Volleyball Heads for Rhode Island Tournament
9/10/2009 4:11:31 PM | Volleyball
Syracuse volleyball continues its non-conference tournament schedule with a trip to Rhode Island for the Art Carmichael Invitational beginning on Friday, September 11.
The Orange (4-2) is scheduled to open with Brown (1-0) on Friday at 4 p.m. before facing Rhode Island (1-4) and New Hampshire (2-5) on Saturday, September 12 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.
“We'll be up against tough competition at the Rhode Island Tournament, which always helps prepare us for BIG EAST competition,” assistant coach Carol LaMarche said. “This weekend will give us the opportunity to work on our consistency and get the kinks out of our lineup.”
Last Time Out: Cleveland State Invitational
The Orange looks to rebound from a pair of tough losses at the Cleveland State Invitational last weekend. SU challenged No. 20 Michigan State, erasing a two-set deficit to force a fifth game before losing, 3-2. Syracuse had the opposite problem against the Cleveland State, jumping out to a two-set lead before the tournament hosts took the next three for a 3-2 match victory. Senior outside hitter Kacie MacTavish led the Orange with 30 kills through the two matches while freshman setter Laura Homann dished out 89 assists. Senior libero Shanetha McLaurin set the tone for the back row with 43 digs and senior Sarah Morton's 17 total blocks led the SU defensive effort.
Orange on the Net
Fans can follow all the Rhode Island Tournament action via livestats.
Syracuse-Brown Series
Syracuse holds a 10-1 advantage in the all-time series with the Bears which dates back to 1983. The Orange enters Friday's match having won the last five meetings between the two schools, the most recent a 3-0 victory at home on Sept. 3, 2002.
Scouting the Bears
Brown opened its 2009 season earlier this week with a 3-1 victory at Providence and will host Bryant in its home opener on Thursday, Sept. 12 before meeting with the Orange on Friday. Freshman outside hitter Christina Berry led the Bears with a double-double (18 kills, 18 digs) in her collegiate debut against Providence. Brown utilizes a two-setter scheme, with sophomore Spencer McAndrews and freshman Bailey Wendzel splitting time fueling the offense, while rookie libero Carly Cotton led the squad with 20 digs.
Syracuse-Rhode Island Series
Rhode Island leads the 30-year old all-time series, 12-5, though the Orange has won the last five meetings between the two schools. The two teams last met at the 2004 Army Tournament, where Syracuse won, 3-0.
Scouting the Rams
Rhode Island enters tournament play with a 1-4 overall record, looking to halt its four-match losing streak. Sophomore Kayla Wilson and junior Kayla Newberg pace the Rams attack with 46 kills apiece while setter Annie Nelson has 105 assists on the season. Caitlyn Welsh leads the team defensively with 91 digs.
Syracuse-New Hampshire Series
The Orange holds a 7-2 advantage in the all-time series with the Wildcats, which dates back to 1980. The two teams most recently met in the 2009 season opener on Aug. 28 at the Big Orange Tournament, with SU securing a 3-0 victory.
Scouting the Wildcats
New Hampshire brings a 2-5 record into tournament play, after beginning its season 0-3 at the Big Orange Tournament. Senior middle blocker Lindsay Fogarty leads the Wildcat offense with 46 kills while veteran setter Katie Uitti has 137 assists. Junior libero Sara Heldman has already reached the century mark in digs on the season while Big Orange all-tournament performer Justine Elliot has 16 total blocks.
