C-N Volleyball steps out of conference with midweek match versus Lees-McRae
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman volleyball (4-7, 2-4 SAC) will look to get back on the winning track when it steps out of conference play for a match against the Lees-McRae Bobcats (7-7, 4-3 Conference Carolinas) Tuesday night at 7 at Holt Fieldhouse. While the Eagles haven’t played Lees-McRae this season, Carson-Newman is still familiar with the Bobcats.
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman volleyball (4-7, 2-4 SAC) will look to get back on the winning track when it steps out of conference play for a match against the Lees-McRae Bobcats (7-7, 4-3 Conference Carolinas) Tuesday night at 7 at Holt Fieldhouse.
While the Eagles haven't played Lees-McRae this season, Carson-Newman is still familiar with the Bobcats. LMC played three matches in the Carson-Newman Classic the first weekend of September, picking up a win over Francis Marion, but falling to Lincoln Memorial and Armstrong Atlantic.
Those C-N Classic matches have helped Carson-Newman volleyball coach Shannon Mincey prepare for this contest.
"I was able to watch their style and see their systems," Mincey said. "Our focus will be on regaining confidence - playing to our strengths rather than what they do and don't do."
The Eagles' service game has been roaring in the past three matches. Carson-Newman has 33 aces – the highest three-game stretch of the season. Rachel Harper (Chattanooga, Tenn.) picked up a season high five aces in a 3-1 loss to Lenoir-Rhyne Saturday. Kristen Pickett (Cleveland, Tenn.) is fourth in the conference in service aces/set.
"Harper and Pickett have shown so much confidence at the line," Mincey said. "We should build off of that (Tuesday) night."
As tough as C-N's service game has been over the first three games of the four-game home stand, Lees-McRae's game from the line has been tremendous all year.
The Bobcats are ninth in the nation in service aces/set and have aced the opposition 141 times. Teams have picked up aces on LMC 59 times.
Taylor Pritchett's 44 aces lead the Bobcats, but six players have served their way to double digit aces, with three more sitting at nine apiece.
Regardless of the opposition's serve, Mincey said the Eagles need to take care of themselves after a 1-2 start to the home stand.
"Rebounding from last week will be imperative for our players," Mincey said. "Each player should allow their preparation in practice to make them mentally stronger. Our team is talented and plays with a lot of heart. We are capable of making big plays and I am hopeful this week will allow us to regain the confidence we need."
Live stats and video will be available for the Eagles match with the Bobcats at cneagles.com. First serve from Holt Fieldhouse is slated for 7 p.m.
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