DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras women's volleyball team opens the Iowa Conference Tournament on Thursday in the semifinal against Buena Vista. With a win, the Duhawks would advance to their first IIAC Tournament Championship since 2010.
ALL-TIME SERIES AGAINST BUENA VISTA •••Dating back to the 2001 season, Loras owns a 10-5 all-time record against Buena Vista. The regular season victory in 2015 for the Beavers was the first 3-0 sweep of Loras, with three of their remaining four victories coming by 3-1 margins. Thursday marks the first meeting between Loras and Buena Vista in the conference tournament.
LAST TIME OUT AGAINST BUENA VISTA •••The Beavers handed Loras a 3-0 setback earlier this season in Storm Lake. Maddie Bardole led both sides with 12 kills, hitting .290 for the match. In the middle, Emily Mathews converted on nine of her 12 total attacks for a .750 attack percentage. For the Duhawks,
Liz Jendra posted eight kills, while Danni Kenendy had four blocks, three of which were solo.
SCOUTING THE BEAVERS •••The key to Buena Vista's offense lies with their outside hitters, Jade Schaap and Maddie Bardole. Combining for over 2,400 total attacks and 929 kills, the Beavers have made a living on the outside. Both hitters average over three kills per set. Additionally, Buena Vista is known for their aggressive serving, averaging 1.51 service aces per set with Laura Barry leading the charge with 40 on the year. The Beaver's libero, Sydnee Donnelli, was named IIAC Defensive Performer of the Week and leads the team with 537 digs.
HIGHEST SEED SINCE 2010 •••Last Wednesday's win over the University of Dubuque earned the Duhawks the No. 2 seed in the 2015 Iowa Conference Tournament, giving them a bye for the first round. This is the first time the Duhawks have not played in the first-round since 2010. After going 7-1 in conference play and winning the regular season title, the 2010 Duhawks were awarded the No. 1 seed. In the tournament championship, Loras jumped out to a 2-0 lead on Wartburg before falling in five sets.
BERGAN 2.0 •••Sophomore libero
Haley Bergan has already eclipsed her freshman year mark for digs in a season. As a freshman, Bergan tallied 534 digs, averaging 4.41 per set. As of Thursday, the Edgewood, Iowa native has recorded 615 digs and averages 5.39 per set, ranking second in the IIAC. Bergan's cat-like reflexes offers a strong force in the back row that is essential to the Duhawks' success. Her ability to effectively receive the ball allows the team to set up a tough offense. Bergan's passing skills will be critical as Loras begins tournament play.
HOME COURT ADVANTAGE •••The 2015 Duhawk women's volleyball team has completed a major regular season turnaround that has seen Loras jump from sixth to second place in the IIAC in just one season. The Duhawks achieved many impressive feats along the way, including a 21-win season, but they have really found success in the familiar comforts of the Athletic & Wellness Center. Loras has a 9-3 home record overall and went a perfect 4-0 in conference play. In those matches, the Duhawks held a cumulative 12 sets to 3 advantage. The Duhawks will enjoy this home court advantage for at least one, with the potential of two matches in the 2015 IIAC Tournament.
REVENGE ON THE MIND OF THE DUHAWKS •••The women's volleyball team lost their regular season meeting against Buena Vista in Storm Lake in three sets, all three of which were tight games, separated by a combined 10 points. Loras, who is experiencing their best season since 2010, will need to put their last meeting with the Beavers behind them and focus on the present in order to advance to Saturday's Iowa Conference Tournament Championship Match.
