University of Delaware Athletics
Blue Hen Volleyball Kicks Off Homestand Friday vs. CAA Rival Towson on Military Appreciation Night
10/23/2014 11:37:00 AM | Volleyball
NEWARK, Del. -- The University of Delaware volleyball team will look to extend its winning streak to five matches on Friday as the Blue Hens return home to host Towson in a crucial Colonial Athletic Association match at 7 p.m. at the Bob Carpenter Center.
Delaware has won four consecutive matches, dropping just two sets in the process, and will look for its first five-match streak since Sept. 25 through Oct. 7, 2012. The Blue Hens are now 12-11 overall this season including 5-3 in the conference, and are currently tied for fourth place in the league standings.
Towson enters Friday's match with a 20-3 record and the Tigers are one game in front of the Blue Hens in the CAA, tied for second place with a 6-2 mark. Towson has won six consecutive matches, defeating five consecutive CAA opponents before a three-set victory over Delaware State on Tuesday.
The Blue Hens and Tigers opened CAA action on Sept. 24, with Towson posting a 3-0 victory at SECU Arena. Saitaua Iosia led the Tigers with 16 kills during that match, while Haley Pa'akaula and Victoria Williams added 11 apiece. Katie Hillman paced the Blue Hens with 10 kills and a .310 hitting percentage, while Alexa Swann chipped in with nine kills and Taylor Hollingsworth had 14 digs.
Delaware is coming off a pair of straight set road victories at UNCW and Elon last weekend. Hillman and Autumn Jenkins led the way with 25 kills each during the week, with Hillman posting a team-best .225 hitting percentage. Hollingsworth recorded a match-high 24 digs in both contests, and was named the CAA Co-Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.
The Tigers lead the conference with a .291 hitting percentage, a .122 opponent hitting percentage, 13.95 kills per set, and 1.74 service aces per set. Williams is hitting a league-high .386 for Towson, while Iosia ranks second in the CAA with 4.23 kills per set.
The match is designated as Military Appreciation Night, as patriotic t-shirts will be distributed to the first 250 fans compliments of the National 5&10. Fans wearing the t-shirt during the match will be able to purchase regular size hot dogs for just $1 at concessions. Doors open at 6 p.m. Shirts are subject to availability.
All active military or veterans are able to purchase $1 tickets in advance or on the day of the match by showing their military ID. Those wearing a military uniform or who show their military ID will also be able to purchase $1 regular hot dogs at concessions.
The Blue Hen volleyball team will be collecting gently worn (recently dry cleaned or new) professional wear during pregame from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to benefit the Suiting Warriors Foundation. Items most needed include suits, professional dresses, skirts and pants for women, and suits, ties and sport coats for men. The Blue Hens thank you in advance for participating in this important cause!
The Suiting Warriors Foundation supports and empowers veterans transitioning into civilian life by providing them with professional attire essential for competing in today's job market. Click here for more information on Suiting Warriors.
Additionally Nick Dadgostar, a member of Wounded Warriors who practiced with the Blue Hens during the spring in preparation for the 2014 Warrior Games, will serve as Delaware's honorary coach during the match. Nick recently won the 200 meters and finished fourth in the 100 meters at the first-ever Invictus Games, an international sporting competition for wounded warriors that took place at Olympic Stadium in London, England.
Tickets can be purchased for just $7 for adults, and $5 for youth ages 17 and under and seniors ages 60 or older.
