The American University volleyball team will hit the road this weekend as they open up conference play against Bucknell and Colgate. American will take on the Bison on Friday, Sept. 24 at 7:00 p.m. before playing the Raiders on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 4:00 p.m.

American (11-2) has won nine of its last ten, including a straight-set victory against Loyola (Md.) on Wednesday. Angelina Waterman and Magdalena Tekiel combined for 25 kills on the evening while the entire Greyhound team totaled just 29. The win came by set scores of 25-16, 26-16 and 25-23.

The Eagles are led by the senior duo of Waterman and Tekiel, who lead the Patriot League with 3.67 and 3.56 kps, respectively. Tekiel also sports a league-best .357 hitting percentage and 0.41 saps, which ranks second in the Patriot League. Waterman was named last week's Patriot League Player of the Week after recording 3.90 kps, 2.90 dps and 0.90 bps in three matches. Setter Krysta Cicala dishes out a league-high 9.74 aps, while Deborah Frantz and Katerina Cinkova lead the team in digs (3.57 dps) and blocks (1.05 bps), respectively.

The Eagles are off to their best start since 2001 and lead the Patriot League in nearly every statistical category, including hitting percentage (.307), opponent hitting percentage (.150), assists (12.29 aps), kills (13.43 kps), blocks (2.18 bps) and service aces (2.00 saps).

The Bison (2-10) have lost four straight and registered only two wins on the season. They are led by senior Heidi Kamp, who averages a team-high 1.95 kps as well as 0.76 bps with a .211 hitting percentage. Freshman Morgan Mientus has also stepped up for Bucknell, notching 1.90 kps and 1.75 dps. Sophomore middle blocker Ragin Jackson ranks third in the Patriot League in blocks (1.03) and seventh in hitting percentage (.264), while setter Rachel Rodriguez averages 4.02 aps.

The Eagles are 24-1 all time against Bucknell, with their only loss coming in 1996.

Colgate (7-6) is currently in second place in the Patriot League after wins against Cornell and Connecticut last weekend. The Raiders are led by Maureen Colligan, who ranks seventh in the Patriot League with 2.40 kps. Seniors Casey Ritt and Devon Applegate captain the defensive effort, leading the team in blocks (0.77 bps) and digs (3.38 dps), respectively. Setter Kaylee Fifer has 5.69 aps on the season.

American has beat Colgate 19 times in their 21 career meetings. The Eagles won two of three match ups against the Raiders last season, including their most recent match up in the Patriot League Semifinals.