University of Southern Indiana Volleyball returns to the Physical Activities Center Friday at 7 p.m. when it hosts the University of Indianapolis in its annual “Dig for the Cure†match. USI also hosts Saint Joseph’s College Saturday at 3 p.m. as well as Trevecca Nazarene University next Tuesday at 6 p.m.
USI (14-7, 4-5 GLVC) is coming off a nine-match road trip that saw it post a 4-5 record, including a 1-4 mark in Great Lakes Valley Conference play.
The Screaming Eagles picked up momentum last weekend as they went 3-0 at the Midwest Region Crossover, marking the second straight season USI has posted a perfect record at the event.
Senior middle blocker Abbey Winter (Germantown, Illinois) averaged 3.40 kills and 2.10 blocks to lead the Eagles at the Crossover. Winter was named to the All-Tournament team for her efforts.
USI also received solid efforts from freshman setter Erika Peoples (Bloomington, Illinois), junior outside hitter/middle blocker Amy Zwissler (Bloomington, Indiana), and sophomore middle blocker Te’Ayla Whitfield (Fort Wayne, Indiana).
Peoples averaged 10.40 assists per set on the weekend, while Zwissler had a career-high 17 kills and a .485 attacking percentage in USI’s four-set win over Wayne State University. Whitfield had seven kills, a .583 attacking percentage, and five blocks in USI’s three-set win over Northwood, then had five kills and a .333 attacking percentage in USI’s three-set victory over Lake Superior State University.
For the season, senior right side hitter Erica Oberbroeckling (Westfield, Indiana) leads the Eagles with 2.95 kills per set, while sophomore libero Shannon Farrell (Munster, Indiana) is averaging a team-high 4.75 digs per frame. Oberbroeckling also is averaging 2.95 digs and 0.52 blocks per frame.
Friday’s “Dig for the Cure†match will be dedicated to Cleta Kavanaugh, who is currently battling cancer. Cleta Kavanaugh is the mother of former USI standout Kristi Kavanaugh, a teammate and close friend of USI Head CoachLeah Mercer.
In addition to the “Dig for the Cure†match, the drawing for the $500 Campus Store shopping spree will take place between second and third sets Friday night. USI students with a valid ID can enter the drawing once more Friday night prior to the drawing.
GLVC Sports Network coverage for the matches can be accessed at GoUSIEagles.com.
