WASHINGTON - As the American University volleyball team continues to march through its Patriot League schedule, the Eagles have the chance to complete season sweeps of both Lehigh and Bucknell this weekend at Bender Arena. AU has won eight matches in a row, and sits in second place in the conference standings.

Game Info

• Game times: Friday, 6:00 p.m. vs. Lehigh | Saturday, 3:00 p.m. vs. Bucknell
• Ticket info for Friday and Saturday in Bender Arena: AUEagles.com/Tickets
• Both matches can be watched live on ESPN+.

Free Tickets For Federal Employees

In recognition of the ongoing federal government shutdown, federal employees will receive complimentary tickets at the box office for all AU Volleyball home matches throughout the remainder of the shutdown. A valid federal ID must be shown to receive tickets.

Series History

• The Eagles are 33-8 all-time against Lehigh, most recently defeating the Mountain Hawks in straight sets earlier this month on Oct. 4. 
• AU dominated its way to a sweep, hitting .305 as a team. Salme Adeele Hollas led the way with 18 kills, striking it at a blistering .469. 
• Lehigh got the best of American in 2024, defeating the Eagles in the final match of the regular season and in the first round of the Patriot League Tournament. 
• AU is 37-5 all-time against Bucknell, also taking care of the Bison 3-0 earlier this month on Oct. 3. 
• The Eagles played their cleanest match of the season in regard to ball control in Lewisburg, committing zero reception errors. Bella Marrero had 18 digs, followed by 13 for Deniz Dakak. 

What to Know About American: 15-4 (8-1)

• American is rolling through Patriot League play, completing the season sweep of Holy Cross last Saturday with a 3-0 win. The Eagles trail only Colgate in the PL standings, after falling to the Raiders back in September. 
• Sophie Dufour and Hollas combined for 22 kills to lead the way against Holy Cross, while Prinzez Zeck added six kills to five block assists. 
• The Eagles are playing excellent volleyball over their winning streak, hitting .302 and averaging over 13 kills per set. They've controlled the ball masterfully as well, managing 15 digs per set and posting a .920 reception percentage across the last eight games.
• The engine of AU's efficiency is setter Deniz Dakak, who has shown to be one of the best in the PL. She's led the conference in assists each week of the season, and currently holds 25 more than the next setter with 674.  
• Sophomore libero Bella Marrero has been the one consistently getting the ball to Dakak, averaging 4.52 digs per set.  
• Dufour has been phenomenal for the Eagles in her rookie campaign, sitting at second in the PL in kills with 257. She's caught fire as of late, hitting over .400 in the last three contests and putting down at least 10 kills in each of them. In the home match against Holy Cross on Oct. 12, Dufour hit .474 with a season-high 20 kills. She's contributed her share on the receiving end as well, with 163 digs and five double-doubles. 
• Hollas follows behind Dufour with 211 kills, completing a dangerous duo on the outside. 
• Up front, Zeck and Elise Sterling have been a consistent tandem. Zeck leads the team in blocks with 67, while Sterling is hitting a PL-best .403.
• AU has stolen several points from the service area, as freshman Alex Ioannou leads the PL with 45 aces. That number puts her sixth in the country, helping the Eagles average 2.3 aces per frame.  

Volleyball Weekend Game Day Prices 

• Adult: $15
• Youth (4-14)/Senior (65+): $10
• Children ages three (3) and under are not required to have a ticket to enter. If attending without a ticket, they must sit on the lap of an accompanying adult. All children ages three (3) years or older must have a ticket.
• All AU Undergraduate, Graduate and Washington College of Law Students receive FREE admission to regular season athletic events with your AU ID. Military and Veterans will receive the same rate as youth and seniors.

Host Your Group Outing in the Bender Arena Skybox

• This private luxury seating space seats 30 guests with a balcony view of the game.
• The space features comfortable leather seats, two cable TVs and complimentary snacks and soft drinks.
• Single-match rentals are priced at $450. Additional catering is also available.
• Call (202) 885-2617 or email clawed@american.edu to check skybox availability.

Keep up With Us

• For the latest on American University Volleyball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_Volleyball), Facebook (/AU.Volleyball) and Instagram (@au_volleyball).