Volleyball Continues Tournament Play at University of Albany Classic

MATCH NOTES (.pdf)

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - The Seton Hall volleyball team will continue tournament play at the University of Albany Classic this weekend. The Pirates went 1-2 to start the season at the University at Buffalo Invitational last week.

THE MATCHUPS

VS. LAMAR
September 4 - 4:30 p.m.
SHU VS. Lamar All-Time: 0-0
Last Meeting: First Meeting
Location: N/A
Result: N/A

SCOUTING THE CARDINALS
Fresh off a Southland Conference Championship and an NCAA Championship appearance, Lamar began its season at Cal-State Fullerton last weekend, and went 0-3. Bailey Smith anchors the Cardinal defense, posting 3.80 digs per set, and Lauren Holdorff leads the offense with 2.33 kills per set.

AT ALBANY
September 5 - 12:30 p.m.
SHU VS. Albany All-Time: 0-3
Last Meeting: Sep. 2, 2006
Location: Hempstead, N.Y.
Result: 1-3 Loss

SCOUTING THE GREAT DANES
After winning its third consecutive conference title in 2008, Albany went 0-3 at the MSU Showcase, but faced three top-tier teams in North Carolina, USC, and Michigan State.Albany received strong performances from Hillary White, who posted 2.80 kills per set in the opening weekend. Brooke Stanley, one of the top setters in the America East Conference is averaging 9.50 assists per frame

VS. HOFSTRA
September 5 - 4:30 p.m.
SHU VS. Hofstra All-Time: 0-6
Last Meeting: Aug. 30, 2008
Location: Hempstead, N.Y.
Result: 2-3 Loss

SCOUTING THE PRIDE
Hofstra is off to an 0-3 start on the season, but is coming off of five straight 18+ win seasons. Senior outside hitter Monica Knight leads the team, averaging 4.20 kills per set on the year. Defensively, senior Chrissey Cruz is picking up 4.44 digs per set to lead the squad.

PUT IT IN THE (RECORD) BOOKS
After setting the single-season dig record in 2008, senior Allie Matters is poised to shatter the career dig mark. The standout libero is just 106 shy of topping the list.

CAREER DIG LEADERS

1. 1,496 Jessica Pompei 2003-06
2. 1,390 Allie Matters 2006-Present
3. 1,236 Laura Romeika 1988-91
4. 1,072 Jennifer Chesire 1994-97
5. 1,071 Caroline Kaufmann 1991-94

BEAT THE STREAK
In addition to being on her way to setting a new school record, Allie Matters is in the midst of an impressivee streak. Matters has notched double-figure digs in 40-straight matches, dating back to the end of the 2007 season, which ranks as the longest active streak in the BIG EAST and fourth longest in the nation.

LONGEST ACTIVE DOUBLE-FIGURE DIG STREAK

1. 59 Lauren Felsing (Milwaukee-Wisc.)
2. 48 Didem Ege (Clemson)
3. 45 Tracey Lee (Rice)
4. 40 Allie Matters (Seton Hall)
5. 34 Sam Morgan (Niagara)

TRU-CALLING
Freshman Olivia Trudeau posted her first career double-double against BC last week, recording 43 assists and 13 digs. She is currently leading the team with 70 kills and ranks 10th in the BIG EAST, averaging 0.45 aces per set

HOME SWEET HOME
SHU finished 9-2 at home this season, and have won 13 of its last 15 at Walsh Gym, dating back to 2007.

ROAD WARRIORS?
The Pirates will look to surpass its road-win total from 2008 on Saturday against Albany. As much success the Pirates have had at home, they have had an equally tough time away from Walsh Gym. SHU has lost 11 of its last 13 road matches dating back to 2007.

PIRATES PICKED 12TH IN PRESEASON BIG EAST POLL
SHU was to finish 12th in the BIG EAST Preseason Coaches Poll. Last season, the Pirates finished 10th and were two matches out of the final postseason spot.

2009 CAPTAINS
Senior Allie Matters and junior Sarah Osmun have been named Co-Captains of this year's squad.