MATCH NOTES
The Newman volleyball team makes its most important trip to Texas this season, taking on St. Edward's and Dallas Baptist Thursday and Saturday, respectively. Both teams are tied atop the Heartland Conference standings going into this weekend's contests. Newman is right behind them in third place.
Newman at St. Edward's
Thurs., Oct. 14, 2010 || 7 p.m. || Recreation & Convocation Center || Austin, Texas || Live Stats || Live Audio
Newman will look to avenge an early-season home-court loss to St. Edward's when the Jets take the floor opposite the Hilltoppers Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Recreation & Convocation Center in Austin, Texas. The Hilltoppers own a 9-12 record this season, but are 5-1 in Heartland Conference play after sweeping St. Mary's and Texas A&M International on the road last weekend. St. Edward's has won two-straight Heartland Conference contests since Dallas Baptist handed them their only conference loss of the season in a five-set thriller on Sept. 28 in Dallas.
St. Edward's is led by Ashley Vander Hey, a 5-10 junior with 201 kills to her name this season. While she is the only Hilltopper with more than 200 kills this season, four 'Toppers have 135-or-more kills this season. Chelsey Barsamian is the Hilltoppers' go-to setter with 564 assists this season, while Michelle Hundt is SEU's leading defensive player with 403 digs this season.
Hilltopper head coach Sean Donohue is in his eighth year at SEU, and is 304-255 in that time.
Newman at Dallas Baptist
Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010 || 12 p.m. || Burg Center || Dallas, Texas || Live Stats
The Jets conclude their final trip to Texas with a stop in Dallas to take on the Dallas Baptist Patriots. DBU is 11-12 this season, but has won two-straight matches after last week's sweep of Texas A&M International and St. Mary's. With a 5-1 record, the Patriots enter this weekend's action tied for first in the Heartland Conference.
DBU poses a dual threat on the front line. Becky Swan, a 6-1 sophomore, leads the 2010 Patriots with 205 kills, while Kaylyn Frink is right behind her with 201 kills. Tyler Bradsher is DBU's primary setter, with 415 assists through 23 matches. The Patriots use a team approach to defense, as seven Patriots have 120-or-more digs. Frink leads all defensive players with 256 kills.
Patriot head coach Cathy Ray is in her seventh season at DBU, and is 123-173 in that time.
