ELON, N.C. – While the Elon volleyball team (5-14) remains on the road for its next match, this one comes a bit closer to home as the Phoenix takes on local rival UNCG (9-7) on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. in Greensboro, N.C.
Looking Back
Elon put together some strong defensive performances last week despite the two losses on the road to James Madison and William & Mary. At JMU, the Phoenix out-blocked the Dukes, 13-9, including 6-0 in the first set. Against the Tribe, Elon also out-blocked the opponent, 10-9.5, to record 23 total team blocks on the week. Catherine Head led the way with 13 blocks to average 1.62 blocks per set, including a match-high seven blocks at JMU. Ally Karle averaged 1.17 blocks/set with seven blocks, while Kris Harris was the third player to average over one block/set with eight blocks (1.00/set). Elon ranks second in the conference in total team blocks with 158.5 blocks.
Elon vs. UNCG
The Phoenix and the Spartans have been facing off since the Elon program began in 1972. Over the last four seasons, the series has been even with each team going 4-4. UNCG won both meetings last season but the maroon and gold is 12-9 against the Spartans under head coach Mary Tendler.
Weekly Honor
On Oct. 6, freshman Sydney Busa was named the CAA Co-Rookie of the Week by the league. Busa led the Phoenix last week with 26 kills off 66 attempts and only 10 errors to hit .242 and average 3.25 kills per set. The outside hitter also recorded seven blocks on the week to average 0.88 blocks per set. In Elon’s match at James Madison, she tallied 13 kills (3.25/set) and four blocks (1.00/set). At William & Mary, Busa recorded her fourth double-double of the season with a team-high 13 kills and 11 digs. She hit .312 against the Tribe and averaged another 3.25 kills per set, while adding three blocks. The Leesburg, Va., native also posted two aces on the week and finished with 18 digs (2.25/set).
Head Coach Mary Tendler
Elon head coach Mary Tendler is in her 12th season with the Phoenix program. She enters Tuesday’s match with a 190-189 Elon and career record. Tendler is now 10 wins away from reaching the century mark in career wins.
Looking Ahead
Elon returns home to Alumni Gym for the first time in almost two weeks to host its only in-state CAA opponent UNC Wilmington on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m.