Eagles shift focus to Maryville-hosted triangular
University of Southern Indiana Volleyball moved up another four spots to 13th-nationally (AVCA) after the Eagles swept two GLVC foes, No. 6 Rockhurst and Lindenwood, on February 20 during the USI-hosted GLVC triangular.
The Screaming Eagles have now set program-highs for national ranking for three-straight weeks, earning the first national ranking (18th) for the program in the February 10 AVCA DII poll. The only Eagle loss came at the hands of No. 2 Lewis Flyers (then ranked 14th) in a five-set match to start the season. USI is one of seven GLVC programs to be featured in the top-25 rankings and one of three in the top 15.
USI (5-1) hits the road for another weekend GLVC divisional crossover, playing Maryville (0-6) and William Jewell (0-7) in St. Louis at Moloney Arena on February 27. USI will first duel Maryville at high noon, then taking on William Jewell at 3 P.M. Both games will be broadcast on GLVCSN.
AGAINST ROCKHURST AND LINDENWOOD:
Leah Anderson led the Eagles offensively and earned her first GLVC Weekly award behind her monsterous performance. Anderson bombarded the Hawks and Lions with 5.67 kills per set (34 total), three service aces, and a hitting percentage of .446. Fellow sophomore Katherine Koch also spelled trouble for the opposing defenses as she posted 22 kills (3.67 per set) while freshman Abby Weber recorded 14 (2.33 per set).
Senior setter Casey Cepicky fully coordinated the Eagle’s offensive effort by distributing 76 assists across the two matches (12.67 per set) with 21 digs, four kills, four blocks, and two service aces. Benefitting from Cepicky dishing out assists were juniors Sidney Hegg (10 kills against Rockhurst) and Taylor Litteken (eight against Lindenwood), who both posted season-highs in kills in the divisional crossover.
