QUINCY, Ill - The Quincy University women's volleyball team is ready to turn its early-season momentum into conference success as the Hawks open Great Lakes Valley Conference play this weekend with a pair of road matches against Lewis University and the University of Indianapolis.
Quincy enters the weekend with a 9-3 overall record and an eight-match winning streak, setting the stage for an exciting start to conference play. After building confidence through a strong nonconference schedule, the Hawks will look to carry that momentum into two challenging matchups against GLVC opponents.
The Hawks will begin the weekend Friday, September 18, at 6 PMÂ against Lewis in Romeoville, Illinois. Quincy will then travel to Indianapolis for a Saturday, September 19, matchup against UIndy at 2 PMÂ eastern time.
With conference play finally here, the Hawks have an opportunity to make an early statement and show how their success in the opening weeks of the season can translate against some of the GLVC's toughest competition.
Entering with MomentumÂ
Quincy's 9-3 record reflects a team that has found its rhythm as the season has progressed. Following a challenging opening weekend, the Hawks have responded with eight consecutive victories, including a strong showing at the CBU Patriot Day Classic in Memphis.
The winning streak has been built on contributions throughout the roster, with Quincy continuing to find ways to win matches and maintain its momentum heading into the conference schedule.
The Hawks have also shown their ability to compete in extended matches. Their early-season schedule has included several four-set victories, giving the team valuable experience in handling momentum swings and closing out competitive sets.
Players for Quincy
Several Hawks will be worth keeping an eye on as Quincy begins its conference schedule.
Aysem Kocaalp has been one of Quincy's biggest offensive weapons through the opening 12 matches. The outside hitter leads the Hawks with 120 kills, averaging 3.08 kills per set, while hitting .214. She has also recorded 22 service aces, 78 digs and eight total blocks, making her a key player to watch as Quincy begins GLVC competition.
Erin Matzke has provided a strong presence in the middle for the Hawks. Through 44 sets, she has recorded 106 kills while hitting an impressive .348. Matzke also leads Quincy with 42 total blocks, averaging 0.95 blocks per set, giving the Hawks an important defensive presence at the net.
Olivia Curry has been another consistent contributor offensively. The outside hitter has totaled 97 kills, averaging 2.20 kills per set, while adding 30 blocks. Her ability to contribute on both sides of the net will be valuable against conference opponents.
Selin Turgut has been a key part of Quincy's attack, recording 93 kills and averaging 2.45 kills per set. She has added 98 digs and 16 total blocks, giving the Hawks another experienced option on the outside.
Monika Bíliková has provided additional offensive production, totaling 66 kills while hitting a team-best .360 among players with significant offensive contributions. She has also recorded 34 total blocks and 12 service aces.
Behind the attack, Macey Rocco has helped direct Quincy's offense with 408 assists, averaging 9.27 assists per set. She has also contributed 118 digs and 22 service aces.
Milica Stamenic has been a defensive standout for the Hawks, leading the team with 20 service aces and adding 81 digs. Amber Glen has played an important role in the back row, recording 167 digs and averaging 3.80 digs per set.
As a team, Quincy has recorded 533 kills, 492 assists, 99 service aces and 671 digs through 44 sets. The Hawks are hitting .202 as a team and averaging 12.1 kills, 2.3 service aces, 15.3 digs and 2.1 blocks per set.
Against LewisÂ
The Lewis University Flyers enter Friday's match up with a 6-5 overall record after coming off a two game losing streak in their most recent tournament, the Embry-Riddle Invitational.Â
In its season-opening victory over Pitt-Johnstown, the Flyers recorded 49 kills, 10 blocks and 12 service aces.Â
Lauren Buxton will be a player to watch for the Flyers. The senior outside hitter stands at 6'1" and provides experience on the Lewis roster.
Marin Grossman, a junior outside hitter/right-side hitter, is another notable offensive option for Lewis, while middle hitters Hannah Dietzenbach and Grace Erwin give the Flyers additional size at the net.
With both teams looking to begin GLVC play on a positive note, the matchup should provide an exciting start to the conference season.
Against No. 24Â UIndy
After Friday's match at Lewis, Quincy will travel to Indianapolis to face the University of Indianapolis on Saturday.
UIndy enters the weekend as one of the strongest teams in the GLVC as they have moved up in the American Volleyball Coaches Association rankings to the 24 position. The Greyhounds have opened the season with a near perfect record of 10-1 and have been particularly impressive offensively and defensively.
Through their first 10 matches, UIndy has recorded a .315 hitting percentage, averaging 14.7 kills per set. The Greyhounds have also averaged 16.4 digs and 2.1 blocks per set, showing strength on both sides of the net.
One of the biggest challenges for Quincy will be handling UIndy's offensive attack while finding ways to create opportunities of its own. The Greyhounds' strong blocking numbers will make it important for the Hawks to stay aggressive and execute efficiently.
Weekend Details
The Hawks face Lewis University Friday, September 18th at 6:00 PM at Neil Carey Arena in Romeoville, IL.
Competition will continue on Saturday, September 19th at 2:00 PM at Ruth Lilly Fitness Center in Indianapolis, IN.Â
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