The UConn volleyball team is looking to secure its first conference win this Friday as it faces off against the Georgetown Hoyas in Washington D.C.
UConn is seeking to bounce back after two recent losses to Marquette (3-0) and DePaul (3-1), which put its Big East record at 0-2 and its overall record at 7-8.
Last season, the Huskies swept Georgetown in Storrs before earning a four-set victory on the road. UConn leads the all-time series against the Hoyas at 13-5.
With the help of their top scorers, Sydney Borowy, Maja Daca and Helen Einarsdottir, the Huskies aim to increase this lead. Borowy leads the team in points, averaging 3.29 points per serve. The outside hitter also puts up impressive numbers for kills per serve, averaging 2.92.
Daca, also an outside hitter, follows, averaging 3.09 points per serve and 2.26 kills per serve. Einarsdottir contributes a substantial 3.01 points per serve and 2.44 kills per serve. She is an outside hitter as well.
Georgetown is eager to defend its home court, after coming off two Big East losses, against Xavier and Butler.
Led by top scorers Kamryn Lee-Caracci, Dionna Mitchell and Berkeley Ploder, Georgetown’s goal is set on advancing its overall record to 9-5.
Caracci, a middle blocker, averages a striking 3.59 points per serve and 2.96 kills per serve. Outside hitter Mitchell averages 3.4 points per serve and 2.95 kills per serve. Ploder, also a middle blocker, averages 3.1 points per serve and contributes an average of 2.43 kills per serve.
With this matchup against the Hoyas, the Huskies will embrace a gritty and high-intensity style of play when facing favored opponents.
The Huskies’ head coach, Ellen Herman-Kimball, approaches game play with precise strategy and determination, which might be what is needed for an underdog victory.
However, Herman-Kimball is faced with Georgetown’s fairly new and resilient head coach, AJ Bonnetti.
Georgetown will look to maintain the momentum found in their winning record and pressure UConn’s defense. For UConn, limiting the Hoyas’ key players will be crucial, while strong serving and consistent offensive play could create opportunities for the Huskies.
The stage is set for a competitive matchup at McDonough Arena tomorrow night, where one of these teams will win its first conference victory.
Both games are available to watch on ESPN+ and UConn+. The start time is set for 7 p.m.