After winning two of three matches in their home opener last weekend, the University of Connecticut women’s volleyball team will look to add to its 3-3 record as it reaches the halfway point of its non-conference schedule.
UConn will travel to Dartmouth University for the Dartmouth Invitational to play three matches over the weekend, all of which will be streamed live on ESPN+. The Huskies will be led by senior Kennadie Jake-Turner, who leads the Big East in hit percentage at .391, and senior Caylee Parker, who leads the team with 3.36 kills per set and ranks eighth in the conference.
The first match will take place on Friday, where the Huskies will take on Holy Cross, who fell to a 1-7 record following a loss Wednesday to New Hampshire. UConn has had Holy Cross’s number, touting a 3-0 record against them since 2011. The two teams last matched up in 2019, which saw the Huskies win 3-2 thriller, thanks to a game-winning kill from Caylee Parker.
The Huskies will take on New Hampshire on Saturday, who beat Holy Cross handily 3-1 earlier this week and currently hold a 4-3 record on the season. Once again, the Huskies will look to preserve an exceptional record against the UNH Wildcats, as they have won six of the last seven matchups against them, including five straight wins since 2011.
Finally, UConn will finish the invitational with a matchup against Dartmouth. The Big Green are 3-0 to start their season, having swept the Lehigh Steel Tournament. They are looking to add to their undefeated record on the season, but much like the rest of the teams in this tournament, UConn comes into the invitational with a stellar 3-1 record against Dartmouth in their last four matchups. Specifically, the Huskies should look out for Dartmouth sophomore Ellie Blain, who is averaging 4.58 kills per set and is currently leading the Ivy League in kills.
This weekend provides a unique opportunity for the Huskies to climb back up the Big East standings, as they currently sit in a six-way tie for fifth in the conference. A winning record in the Dartmouth Invitational would be a great help in helping push UConn closer to the upper half of the standings as the team heads into its final weekend of non-conference play next weekend.