Marshall University Athletics
@HerdVolleyball 'Battles for the Golden Ball' Wednesday
9/30/2014 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Marshall volleyball (8-9) will look to maintain its home win streak this week when the Herd face in-state rival West Virginia in the 'Battle For the Golden Ball' Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Henderson Center.
"This match is always fun to play," head coach Mitch Jacobs said. "It's amazing what Jill [Kramer, WVU coach] has done in such a short time with their program. I'm sure both teams will be ready to get after it and have a great match."
Fans can view the game via live streaming in the links provided, and may also view live stats via the Gametracker links provided. Access the @HerdVolleyball Twitter account for in-game updates.
HAVE YOU HERD?
Marshall is coming off a week of undefeated league play, defeating Charlotte and Middle Tennessee, 3-2, and sweeping FIU in straight sets.
Sophomore Ally Kiekover (Grand Rapids, Mich.) was awarded for her dominating play, earning this week's Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week. Kiekover turned in 45 kills and a .434 hitting percentage during the week, including a personal season-high of 17 kills against Charlotte on Sept. 23.
Junior Jillian Shemanski (Jupter, Fla.) was also awarded for her stellar net game, receiving the C-USA Defensive Player of the Week. The middle blocker leads C-USA with 70 total blocks, after collecting three solo rejections during the Middle Tennessee match on Sept. 26 and four against the Panthers on Sunday. In addition, Shemanski pounded 16 kills last week.
SCOUTING THE MOUNTAINEERS
WVU comes to Huntington with an 11-4 record, coming off a huge win over previously unbeaten Texas Tech, 3-1, and a five-set battle with No. 2 Texas, which won 3-2.
Sophomore Jordan Anderson is leading the offensive force for the Mountaineers with 249 kills and is coming off a career-best performance 24 kills against the Red Raiders.
Senior middle blocker Evyn McCoy controls the defensive front for WVU with 64 total blocks.
Marshall and WVU have not faced any common opponents this season.
THE BATTLE FOR THE GOLDEN BALL
Marshall and WVU have met a total of 44 times, with the Mountaineers holding the advantage 27-17.
However, the Herd has defeated WVU 10 of the last 11 times they have played. Marshall was victorious last season, with a 3-1 victory in Morgantown.
Then-freshmen Elyse Panick (Chicago) and Cassie Weaver (Huntington) led the scoring force, each tallying 14 kills and .400 hitting percentages. Then-junior Sammie Bane (Brownstown, Ind.) collected 58 assists in the match.
UP NEXT
The Herd travels to Denton, Texas, to face conference foe North Texas on Sunday, Oct.5 at 2 p.m. ET.
