The UConn volleyball team is looking to collect another win this weekend, continuing their winning streak as they take on Villanova and St. John’s at home.
The Huskies aim to continue their strong conference campaign and add two more wins to their resume. However, this won’t be an easy feat for the Huskies as they lost one of their strongest players last week. Junior Emma Werkmeister, who led the team in 224 kills and 40 service aces, suffered an injury that took her out of the game midway through the first set against Providence. Despite this, UConn has proven themselves to be a well-rounded team, and several players stepped up to help the Huskies win both their matches against Providence and Butler.
Looking ahead, the Huskies will take on the Villanova Wildcats on Friday, Oct. 18, at 3 p.m. for a breast cancer awareness game, where fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support. The Wildcats have had a good season so far. Their run started with two losses b for a breast cancer awareness game, where fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support. The Wildcats have had a good season so far. Their run started with two losses but since then, they have turned the season around, winning four out of six of their conference matches. Villanova is also coming off of two consecutive losses to Creighton and Marquette last weekend. The Huskies also fell to those teams earlier this season.
The Wildcats’ roster will bring many strong players, including sophomore Abby Harrell, who leads the team in 191 kills and 18 service aces. The team also has a strong defensive lineup featuring senior Ozzie Ozonoh, who leads the team in 54 blocks. Another strong player from the Wildcats is freshman Alyssa Nelson, who leads in assists, 328, as well as digs with 134.
As for their history, the teams have faced each other 16 times before. The Huskies have come out victorious nine out of those 16 times, and currently stand with a 6-1 home record. UConn will be looking to extend their conference winning streak to five games, whereas the Wildcats will hope to switch the momentum and come back stronger from their losses.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, UConn will face St. John’s at 4 p.m. St. John’s has faced a lot of difficulties in their conference play, winning only two games so far and leaving them with a four-game losing streak. The Red Storm will bring junior Erin Jones, who leads the team with 284 kills and 32 service aces. They will also bring junior Ludovica Zola, who leads the team in blocks with 70. UConn has matched against St. John’s 19 times before and the Huskies stand with a 9-10 record. The Red Storm will be looking to extend their winning record against the Huskies and to turn their conference play around. However, UConn will hope to use their momentum to remain undefeated at home.
Both games will take place at the UConn Volleyball Center in Storrs and the matches can be streamed through Flo Sports.