Syracuse University
Cincinnati
Volleyball Hosts Bearcats Friday
11/12/2010 11:22:09 AM | Volleyball
| Match 31 | ||
 |
vs. |  |
| Match Info | Friday, November 12 | 7 p.m. | |
| Location | Women's Building | Free Admission and Parking | |
| Game Day | Live Stats | |
The volleyball squad begins its two-match regular-season ending homestand when it Louisville on Friday, November 12 in the Women's Building. Syracuse (23-7, 5-7) enters the weekend looking to seal its fourth-consecutive BIG EAST Conference bid while No. 19 Cincinnati (24-4, 11-1) looks to seal the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament. Admission and parking is free.
BIG EAST Breakdown
Syracuse enters Friday's match in a three-way tie for eighth place with St. John's and Pittsburgh, who will square off against one another this weekend. Cincinnati and Louisville enter the weekend tied for first in the league at 11-1 overall, both vying for the No. 1 seed in the upcoming conference tournament.
The top eight teams in conference qualify for the BIG EAST Championship, based on conference record. Historically, teams have needed to finish with a record of at least 7-7 to earn a championship bid.
Senior Weekend
The pair of matches marks the home finale in the careers of seniors Sarah Hayes, Mindy Stanislovaitis and Hayley Todd. The trio has led the Orange to postseason appearances in each of their four seasons on the hill while all being named to the BIG EAST All-Academic team three times. The group will be honored in a senior day ceremony prior to Sunday's match against Louisville at 2 p.m.
Scouting the Orange
Syracuse enters the weekend after splitting a pair of matches in its regular-season road finale with a 1-3 loss at Seton Hall and a 3-0 win at Rutgers.
Junior outside hitter Noemie Lefebvre leads the team both offensively and defensively, notching 337 kills, a 3.12 kills per set average and 309 digs with a 2.86 digs per set average on the season. Senior Hayley Todd is a close second with 317 kills and a 3.05 kills per set average with 117 digs and 72 blocks while classmate Mindy Stanislovaitis is third with 232 kills and a 2.30 kills per set average.
Defensively, junior libero Ashley Williams is second with 300 digs and a 3.41 digs per set average while senior Sarah Hayes has 221 digs for a 2.08 digs per set average.
Scouting the Bearcats
No. 19 Cincinnati, the preseason favorite to win the conference's regular-season title, enters Friday's contest on a seven-match win streak.
Senior outside hitter Stephanie Niemer has been the best in the BIG EAST this season, notching 511 kills for a 5.27 kills per set average and garnering BIG EAST Player of the Week honors a conference-record six times. Senior Annie Fesl directs the offense in a 6-1 formation with 1,166 assists and a 12.02 assists per set average. Niemer is also the defensive leader for the Bearcats with 261 back row pickups on the season.
Syracuse-Cincinnati Series
The Bearcats hold a 5-2 edge in the all-time series with the Orange, dating back to 1982. The teams began meeting annually when Cincinnati joined the BIG EAST in 2005. Syracuse won the inaugural BIG EAST meeting, but the Bearcats claimed the next four, including a 3-1 win in 2009.
Up Next
Syracuse hosts Louisville in the regular-season finale at the Women's Building on Sunday, November 14 at 2 p.m.
