WASHINGTON - Sitting atop the Patriot League for the first time this year after winning a 12th consecutive match last weekend, the American University volleyball team is flying high through the regular season as the home stretch approaches. The Eagles will play their final two-match slate of the season this weekend, hosting Loyola Maryland on Friday and traveling to Navy on Sunday.
Game Info
- Game times: Friday, 6:00 p.m. vs. Loyola | Sunday, 2:00 p.m. at Navy
- Ticket info for Friday 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 25-5 all-time against Loyola, defeating the Greyhounds in Baltimore 3-0 on Sep. 28 this year. Sophie Dufour had a double-double on 16 kills and 10 digs in the match.
- A year ago in the last home match against Loyola, American fell 3-1.
- The Eagles are 37-8 against Navy, also sweeping the Midshipmen earlier this year in a sweep at home in September. AU made just three reception errors in a clean performance.
What to Know About American: 19-4 (12-1)
- The Eagles are on a remarkable run, winning 12 matches in a row and making a statement with wins over Army and Colgate last weekend.
- AU took care of the Army (third place in the PL) with ease in a sweep, and handily defeated the PL-leading Raiders in four sets in Hamilton the next day.
- Prinzez Zeck was phenomenal over the two-game stretch, logging 20 kills on a .436 hitting percentage, while adding 15 total blocks. She earned PL Player of the Week Honors for her stellar performance.
- AU's play up front was the story of the win over Army, as the Eagles racked up a season-high 14 denials. In addition to nine for Zeck, Carly Sciborski had six, and Elise Sterling had four in a dominant night for American's defense.
- Also contributing in a major way on the defensive end is sophomore libero Bella Marrero, who totaled 35 digs and committed zero errors in a masterful display last weekend. She is currently second in the PL in digs per set, averaging 4.47.
- Sophomore setter Deniz Dakak continued her incredible distributing pace against Army and Colgate, delivering 73 assists overall. She has led the PL in the category each week of the season, now holding 837 to her name.
- On the outside, the freshman sensation Dufour leads AU in kills with 306. She put down 20 last weekend, and added five service aces.
- Salme Adeele Hollas completes AU's dangerous duo on the pins, following right behind Dufour with 259 kills. The pair are in the top 10 in the PL in successful swings, Hollas sitting at number six and Dufour at number two.
- The Eagles have made lethal use of the service area this season, leading the PL with 189 aces and 2.33 per set. Freshman Alex Ioannou has spotted 51 to pace AU, which stands at fifth in the country.
What to Know About Loyola: 6-16 (4-9)
- Kacy Sekunda continues to power Loyola's offense, racking up 233 kills this season and averaging 3.07 per set. But she's not just an offensive force — Sekunda's defensive hustle shows too, with 168 digs to her name.
- Addie Huber has been the backbone of the Greyhounds' defense, anchoring the back line with 370 digs and averaging a steady 4.35 per set.
- Junior outside hitter Ava Nepkin is making her presence known on the attack, contributing 164 kills this season.
- As a team, the Greyhounds rank third in the Patriot League in digs, averaging 14.88 per set.
What to Know About Navy: 11-11 (7-6)
- Ava Toppin fuels Navy's offense with 208 kills this season, averaging 2.31 per set. She doesn't stop there, Toppin ranks second in the Patriot League with 102 blocks.
- On the defensive side, Amara Chambers is the glue holding the Mids together, digging up 293 balls this season.
- Outside hitter Farrah Eike has been a consistent offensive weapon for the Mids, tallying 176 kills this season and averaging an impressive 3.09 per.
- As a unit, the Midshipmen rank third in the Patriot League in assists, kills, and blocks, showcasing an all-around balance.
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.
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