Remember Non-Conference Matches?
We get a small break from conference play with some uncommon matchups today.
Today is a rare light Thursday in the volleyball world. Two teams new to the D-I/II world both got victories yesterday. Today we have three apparent one-sided matches, according to VBelo. Just because matches are one-sided, doesn’t mean they aren’t worth watching.
In particular, I’m interested in the resurgence of Barton in the Conference Carolinas. They are on a three-match losing streak but are rebuilding this program rather quickly. They can be a threat to upset a conference match any night. A non-conference match may be just what they need to get back in the win column and gain some momentum.
Match Recaps
Non-conference
Dominican (67%) def. Russell Sage (33%)
3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-16)
Dominican had a season high .390 hitting percentage and a season low 7 hitting errors. Setter Luke Koster also added 7 aces to the win.
Thomas More (71%) def. Mount St. Joseph (29%)
3-0 (37-35, 25-21, 25-22)
37 is the most points scored in a single set so far this season. Thomas More also had three players finish with double digit kills.
Match Projections
Non-conference
Missouri S&T (1%) vs Hawai'i (99%)
This is the first ever meeting of these two teams. Hawaii is currently first in the country in both hitting percentage and aces/set. Over on the Miners, Caleb Rohlwing is coming into these matches tenth in the nation in blocks/set.
Warner (12%) vs Barton (88%)
This is the first ever meeting of these two teams. (Sounds familiar…) Barton’s defense will be on full display as they are sixth in the nation in blocks/set.
Georgetown-KY (18%) vs Central State (82%)
This is the second ever meeting of these two teams. Central State is still looking for their elusive first win. It may be a tough battle as VBelo is likely underestimated Georgetown who is currently the #9 ranked team in the NAIA.