Women's Volleyball Prepares for Regular Season Showdown

HUNTINGDON, PA – The Juniata College women's volleyball team looks to secure a top regional ranking at the Emory Invitational this weekend. The Eagles currently rank No.1 in the Mid Atlantic region. Emory tops the South with Berry at No. 5 and Washington and Lee at No.7.

INVITATIONAL DETAILS

Date: Friday, Oct. 30 -1:30pm

Opponent: Berry

Location: Woodruff PE Center | Atlanta, GA

Date: Friday, Oct. 30 -6:00pm

Opponent: No. 2 Emory

Location: Woodruff PE Center | Atlanta, GA

Date: Saturday, Oct. 31 -2:00pm

Opponent: Washington and Lee

Location: Woodruff PE Center | Atlanta, GA

THE HISTORY

Juniata holds a 1-0 all-time record against Berry, a 9-8 record against Emory and a 3-0 record against Washington & Lee. JC hasn't defeated Emory since 2009 when the team took a 3-1 victory at the Washington and Lee Invitational.

LAST TIME AROUND

Berry

Juniata and Berry met for the first time at the 2014 Transylvania Invitational in Lexington, KY. JC defeated the Vikings 3-0 (26-24, 25-23, 25-17). 

Emory

Emory took a 3-1 (25-20, 25-23, 15-25, 25-12) victory over Juniata at the 2013 Emory Invitational. Juniata was down two sets when they rallied back in the third, but Emory ultimately defeated JC. 

Washington and Lee

Juniata defeated W&L 3-1 (25-21, 24-26, 25-20, 25-21) at the 2011 Emory Invitational. 

SCOUTING JUNIATA

Overall Record: 27-1 

Top of the Pack – For five weeks of the season, Juniata has been ranked at No.1 or No.2 by the AVCA. The Eagles have found ways to battle back from two-set deficits and grown mentally tough on some of the most competitive courts in the country. With regional rankings on the line this weekend, their toughness will be put to the test in the regular season finale.

In the Middle – Junior Nakita Gearhart and sophomore Megan Moroney rank in the top-50 among Division III athletes for hitting percentage. Gearhart ranks No. 45 at .344 and Moroney ranks at No. 33 at .352. The middles rank No.1 and No.2 respectively in the Landmark Conference.

Ranking Reynolds – Junior Kelly Reynolds joined the 3,000-career assists club this season and ranks No. 9 among all-time Juniata setters. Reynolds is fifth in the nation in assists per set at 11.31 and leads the Landmark.

Let It Byrne  - Freshman Katie Byrne has been solid for the Eagles all season. The starting libero totals 36 service aces, 57 assists and 427 digs in her debut season. Byrne averages 4.54 digs per set and has kept points alive for Juniata by fearlessly going after tough hits from the opponents.

SCOUTING BERRY

Overall Record: 20-5

Building Blocks – Berry leads all of Division III in blocks per set with a 2.90 average. They rank third in total blocks at 249.5. The defensively strong team holds a 20-5 record on the season.

Made in the Middle – Senior Katie O'Rourke leads the Vikings' offense with 228 kills and a .398 hitting percentage this season. She is joined at the top by junior middle Jessica Gum. Gum has 195 kills on the season and boasts a .363 percentage.

SCOUTING EMORY

Overall Record: 26-2

Across the Nation – Emory opened up the season by taking the No.1 spot in the country. They haven't left the top-5 all season, dropping to No.4 once in week three. They currently rank No.2 behind Juniata College.

Leading DIII – On their roster, Emory holds both the top ranked setter in assists per set and middle hitter in hitting percentage in the nation. Junior middle Jessica Holler holds a .439 hitting percentage with 173 total kills, 2.31 kills per set and 326 total attacks.  Senior setter Sydney Miles averages 11.68 assists per set and totals 1063 on the season.

SCOUTING WASHINGTON & LEE

Overall Record: 17-10

On the Outside – With a total of 621 kills, 57 blocks and 717 points this season, outside hitters Anna Lausberg and Meg Guignon lead the Generals. Lausberg totals 381 kills, 29 assists, 28 service aces, 217 digs and 32 blocks on the season. Guignon has recorded 240 kills, 42 assists, 29 aces, 292 digs and 26 blocks.

In the Ranks – The Generals top their conference competitors in team hitting percentage (.242) and tie in team assists (1,131). Junior middle Mackenzie Shand ranks No.12 in hitting percentage at .378, while Lausberg ranks No.21 at 381 total kills.