The UConn volleyball team (7-6) kicks off conference play at home this weekend, welcoming the Marquette Golden Eagles and DePaul Blue Demons to Storrs. After a challenging nonconference slate, the Huskies will look to establish early momentum against Big East foes.
The Huskies are coming off a 2-1 performance at the For the White and Blue Tournament –– their sole loss coming to Coppin State. Opposite hitter Helena Einarsdottir made the Big East Weekly Honor Roll for her performance over the weekend, putting up 3.75 kills per set on .385 hitting to lead the Huskies’ attack over the weekend. Outside hitter Sydney Borowy also made an impact, making the All-Tournament team after posting 36 kills, 10 digs and two service aces.
Setter Isabella Sohl left in the middle of their previous match against Rhode Island after an accidental collision. While her availability is not yet confirmed, the Huskies hope to see their team’s assists leader back in action for a crucial upcoming stretch.
The weekend opens with a marquee matchup against Marquette. The Golden Eagles sit at a 5-5 record, but that doesn’t tell the full story. Their nonconference schedule was stacked, with losses to No. 6 Wisconsin, No. 12 Stanford and No. 7 Texas, a match in which they pushed the four-time champions to a thrilling five sets.
Picked to finish third in the Big East Preseason Coaches’ Poll, Marquette will prove to be a major challenge for the Huskies to start conference play. The Golden Eagles lead UConn 16-3 in the all-time series, having won 13 straight against the Huskies, winning their last matchup in straight sets.
Junior opposite hitter Carson Tyler is especially worth keeping an eye on, having recently earned Big East Offensive Player of the Week. Tyler is coming off a match-high 12 kills on .375 hitting with five blocks against Milwaukee. Freshman setter Luanna Markus also made the honor roll, setting the pace for a hot offense coming to Storrs.
On Saturday afternoon, UConn will clash with DePaul. The Blue Demons had a strong nonconference performance, going 8-3 after dropping matches to blue bloods in No. 1 Nebraska and No. 14 Penn State.
DePaul was picked to finish 5th in the preseason poll, looking to improve upon a 7-9 in-conference finish last season. UConn leads the all-time series 10-6, but the Blue Demons won their previous matchup 3-1.
Senior setter Leonor Polezzi made the honor roll for DePaul, firing in eight aces and contributing 59 assists to lead the team to a weekend sweep against UIC and Loyola Chicago.
Both matches will take place at the UConn Volleyball Center. Coverage begins today at 6 p.m. against Marquette and Saturday at 4 p.m. against DePaul, with both matches streaming on ESPN+.