Women's Volleyball | September 16, 2015

DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Duhawks begin their trek through the Iowa Conference tonight in Decorah inside the home of the Luther College Norse. The Duhawks are coming off their home invitiational where they went 1-3 on the weekend.

ALL-TIME SERIES AGAINST LUTHER •••
The Duhawks are 11-4 against the Norse since 2011, however the last four meetings have been split 2-2.

LAST TIME AGAINST LUTHER •••
Loras was defeated by Luther last season during the "Dig for a Cure" match on September 17, 2014. The Duhawks were defeated 3-1 (20-25, 25-19, 25-20, 25-20). Juniors Danni Kennedy, and Jenna Erickson each played key roles in the victory. Kennedy tallied 10 kills and six blocks, while Erickson added 23 assists to her season total. Sophomore Haley Bergan led the team in digs with 26.

SCOUTING THE NORSE •••
Luther is enjoying an improved start to the 2015 season, following a 12-16 finish a year ago which included a 1-6 record in the IIAC. At 5-4, the Norse have improved across the board from just a season ago. Most importantly, the Norse have improved their offensive numbers, now averaging 12.1 kills and 11.7 assists per set. Thus far, Luther has been led by Emma Veum, Lindsey Ryan, and Taylor Gaide. Veum leads the team in kills (91), hitting percentage (.347), and blocks (22). Ryan has been the led setter for the Norse, notching 10.55 assists per set, while Gaide has cleaned up on defense with 117 digs.

ALL-TIME SERIES AGAINST CORNELL •••
Loras owns a 5-10 record against the Rams dating back to 2001, while Cornell was still a part of the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

LAST TIME AGAINST CORNELL •••
The Duhawks last faced off against the Rams at the 2014 Loras College Invitational tournament. As one of four opponents for the Duhawks, Cornell defeated them by a final score of 3-2 (25-18, 25-20, 12-25, 16-25, 10-15). Junior Tara Blake is was the leading returner in kills from last season after tallying nine against the Rams. Juniors Danni Kennedy and Jenna Erickson, alongside seniors Liz Jendra and Christina Angeli also paced the Duhawks throughout the match. Jendra notched a match high four service-aces.

SCOUTING THE RAMS •••
Unlike Luther, Cornell has gotten off to a slow start in 2015 with an early 3-6 record. Last season, Cornell finished at 26-7, including an impressive 10-0 record at home. This may be due in part to the departures of many key players. Heading into the 2015 season, the Rams will be without two of their top attackers in Taylor Dicus and Katie Sickelka. Since their departures, Cornell is averaging three less kills per set. The departure of Kelsey Gaillot has also resulted in three less assists per set. Overall, it seems the Rams are still searching for their identity in 2015.

ALL-TIME SERIES AGAINST AUGSBURG •••
Loras owns a 4-3 all-time record against the Auggies, dating all the way back to 1986 when the Duhawks were defeated by a final score of 2-1 (15-10, 9-15, 16-14).

LAST TIME AGAINST AUGSBURG •••
The Duhawks last played the Auggies at the Wisconsin-River Falls Invitational in 2008. Loras was defeated in four sets by Augsburg 3-1 (25-15, 19-25, 21-25, 14-25).

SCOUTING THE AUGGIES •••
After finishing last season with a record of 23-6, Augsburg has retained most of their success heading into their matchup with the Duhawks. The Auggies return four of last season's starters heading into the 2015 season, including their leading attacker from last season in Ashley Peper. In 2015 Peper has continued her success by averaging 4.50 kills per set with a .340 hitting percentage. Alongside Peper is Courtney Lemke, the team's top setter from a season ago. Defensively, the Auggies have excelled in 2015 by holding their opponents to a .144 hitting percentage as opposed to .167 in 2014.

KEEPING IT CLOSE •••
Despite their  record, Loras has kept things extremely close with their opponents this season. In 14 of their sets this season, the Duhawks have either won or lost by two points. In total, Loras has scored 870 points this season while their opponents have scored 872.  Almost half of their games have gone to five sets showing a great competitive edge for Loras.

DUHAWKS ARE KILLING IT •••
The Duhawks have yet to enter Iowa Conference Play, but the team ranks third among the other IIAC schools during their non-conference matches in kills per set. So far, Loras averages 12.2 kills per set just behind Buena Vista University (12.6) and Coe College (13.4). Individual leaders in this category for the team include Claire Ritchie (2.35), Therese Schultz (2.10), Danni Kennedy (2.08) and Liz Jendra (2.05).