Western travels to the Dakotas for Summit play
Tommy Mavraganis
Issue date: 9/25/09 Section: Sports
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The first game is today at South Dakota State (3-7). The second contest is on Saturday at North Dakota State (8-2). Both games are slated to begin at 7 p.m.
The 'Necks were unable to pick up a victory last season against either team.
"Since the Dakotas have been in the league, we're 0-4 up there," said head coach Kym McKay. "This is definitely something we want to change."
The 'Necks hit the road riding a three-game winning-streak, which started with a victory at Bradley University on Sept. 15.
"We're still concentrating on our side of the net," McKay said. "We're really focusing on ourselves, reducing unforced errors, and that's working for us right now."
In their last three matches, they have lost only three sets out of 12.
The 'Necks have two offensive leaders of their own. Sophomore Cait Egan leads the team in kills with 121 in 35 sets, pushing her average to 2.79 kills a set.
Junior Ellen Miller, who was named Summit League Defensive Player of the Week, leads the team in assists and served aces. Miller has 463 assists in 49 sets played, giving her 9.45 assist per set. She also served 12 aces.
Senior Elise Crnjak leads the team in digs with 156 in 49 sets, good for 3.18 digs per set.
South Dakota State
The Jackrabbits come into play led by sophomore Kelli Fiegen, who has 100 kills in 31 sets played, with an average of 3.23 kills per set.
Junior Nicole Peters leads the way in assists with 221 for South Dakota State. Freshman Fiona Jones leads her team with nine served aces. Defensively, the Jackrabbits are being led by senior Stacey Wernert who has 131 digs in 39 sets.
North Dakota State
North Dakota State is led by sophomore Chrissy Knuth. Knuth has compiled 121 kills in 35 sets.
Sophomore Jennifer Lopez leads in two categories for the Bison. She has 238 assists in 40 sets and has served 15 aces.
On defense, senior Kelly Lopez has garnered 169 digs, giving her an average of 4.69 digs per set.
"Both games are going to be tough," McKay said.
After this weekend's matches, the 'Necks arrive back home for two conference matches next weekend. Western will face Centenary on Friday, Oct. 2 at Brophy Hall and later compete against Oral Roberts Saturday, Oct. 3.
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