WASHINGTON - In the midst of a five-match winning streak, the American University volleyball team returns home for a two-game slate against Lafayette and Holy Cross this weekend. The Eagles are hitting their stride in the thick of Patriot League play, currently holding sole possession of second place. 

Game Info

• Game times: 6:00 p.m. vs. Lafayette, 3:00 p.m. vs. Holy Cross
• Ticket info for Friday in Bender Arena: AUEagles.com/Tickets
• Both matches can be watched live on ESPN+.
• Friday's game is American's Mental Health Awareness game -- wear something GREEN with your AU gear to show your support.
   

Series History

• AU has lost to Lafayette just one time, conceding a sweep in 2021 on the road. The Eagles have also only fallen to Holy Cross once, last losing to the Crusaders in 2018. 

What to Know About American

• The Eagles are not only playing winning volleyball, but dominant volleyball. They have swept four of their five wins on this streak, losing their last set back on Sept. 20 against Army. 
• AU hit .282 as a team and posted a .926 reception percentage over the last five games. In the win over Bucknell, the Eagles committed zero reception errors for the first time since September of last year. 
• Highlighting AU's quality ball control are libero Bella Marrero and setter Deniz Dakak. While Marrero has 232 digs and is averaging nearly five per set, Dakak has dished out a conference-leading 577 assists. 
• On the outside, Sophie Dufour and Salme Adeele Hollas have been a dangerous one-two punch for the Eagles. Dufour has led the way with 214 kills (second in the PL), while Hollas follows behind with 177. The pair combined for 52 kills and 33 digs last weekend, and are both averaging over three kills per set. 
• Adding to her sensational freshman campaign, Dufour earned her fourth Patriot League Rookie of the Week honor last week. Hollas earned an honorable mention for Player of the Week as well, coming off a 30-kill weekend for the sophomore transfer.
• Up front, middle blocker Prinzez Zeck has had a breakout season. The junior leads the team in blocks with 56 and has become a valuable weapon to AU's attack, hitting .330 with 92 kills. Accommodating her near the net is Elise Sterling, who's .405 hitting percentage leads the conference.
• American has also produced significant points from the service area, posting PL-leading 125 aces. Freshman Alex Ioannou has led the way with 39, which stands at fourth in the NCAA.

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).