NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont volleyball team (3-8) opens Ohio Valley Conference this weekend with matches at Eastern Kentucky (1-14) at 6:00pm central time, and at Morehead State (3-11) at 4:00pm central time.
"We can look back at each match and know that each young lady has improved in their style of play," said Head Coach Tony Howell. "Now we begin conference play and cannot wait to see the ladies put everything they have learned into action."
"We can't wait to finally start conference this weekend!" said Senior Regan Kennamer (Huntsville, Ala.). "We've had a tough preseason schedule, and I'm confident that it has prepared us to come out on top."
Eastern Kentucky is led offensively by sophomore outside hitter Celina Sanks with 133 kills as well as 143 digs and eight total blocks. Junior Setter Johanna Boyer has dished out 327 assists on the season. Freshman defensive specialist Chloe Rojas controls the back row tallying up 217 digs.
Standout freshman outside hitter Merideth Jewell has been named OVC newcomer of the week for three consecutive weeks. Jewell has recorded 250 kills as well as 12 aces, 120 digs and 30 total blocks. Junior setter Bailey Nichol has dished out 395 assists on the season.
"The records obtained during preseason are not a factor anymore. Every team in the OVC is 0-0. And we need to keep that in mind when we play EKU and Morehead," said Howell. "Both programs are very talented and very dangerous to play."
"We are all ready for a fresh start and that's exactly what this weekend is," said senior Jocelyn Youngdahl (Stillwater, Minn.). "We learned a lot in preseason and are definitely prepared to start executing in conference."
Sophomore Arianna Person (Lenexa, Kan.) is ranked third in the conference in kills with 141 averaging 3.62 kills per set, first in aces with 20, tenth in digs with 139 averaging 3.56 per set and third in points averaging 4.27 per set. Sophomore Emma Price (Fort Mill, SC) is ranked second in the conference in assists with 371, averaging 9.76 per set.
"We cannot wait to begin, as I am sure everyone in the OVC can say the same. Good luck to everyone competing this weekend!!" said Howell.
Both matches will have links to live stats available at belmontbruins.com.
