Friday, October 28
7 p.m. – Kennesaw State (15-5, 8-2 ASUN) vs. Stetson (13-8, 4-5 ASUN)
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. | Convocation Center
Video Stream: YouTube
Live Stats: Statbroadcast
 
Saturday, October 29
5 p.m. – Kennesaw State (15-5, 8-2 ASUN) vs. FGCU (16-6, 6-3 ASUN)
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. | Convocation Center
Video Stream: YouTube
Live Stats: Statbroadcast
 
KSU Game Notes  
 
Follow KSU Volleyball on Social - Twitter  |  Instagram

KENNESAW, Ga. –  Kennesaw State Volleyball is hosting a pair of key games this weekend as the Owls look to stay atop the ASUN standings when they host Stetson on Friday at 7 pm and FGCU on Saturday at 5 pm in the Convocation Center. Friday night is both Hoot Out Hunger and a special night to honor Kristye Chastang, mother of former Owl Lauren Chastang.
 
The Hoot Out Hunger is a two-week period to raise awareness, funds, and resources for food insecurity on the Kennesaw State University campus.  All fans are asked to bring nonperishable food items to the lobby of the Convocation Center prior to the start of the match, where they will be taken up by KSU Care Services to help restock campus pantries.
 
Fans are also encouraged to wear pink in support of the fight against breast cancer and to honor the life of Kryste Chastang. Pink KSU bracelets will be available to fans in attendance.
 
The Owls look to start another win streak after suffering a 3-2 setback at North Florida in their last contest. That loss dropped KSU into a tie for first along with Liberty and Lipscomb, and leaves every game left on the schedule as key matches for the Owls in their drive for the regular season title.
 
While KSU has won its past four matches with the Hatters, Saturday's opponent has been a much tougher challenge for the Owls. FGCU, defending league champions, was the preseason favorite and had several notable non-conference wins, but injuries in league play have led the Eagles as the hunters in the ASUN race instead of the hunted. All-time, FGCU has won five of the eight games between the teams in the Convocation Center. KSU however won the last meeting between the two by a 3-0 margin in Kennesaw, a game that is part of the Owls' current 14-game home win streak, which is fourth-longest active win streak in the nation.
 
The biggest key for KSU this season has been its overall depth, as a year ago the Owls were led mostly by the same two players on offense. This year is seeing a very balanced attack, as KSU is routinely playing 11-12 players a match, while the top five players in the kills category all range between 133-194.
 
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Dani Ballou is shining in her final season with the Owls, as the outside hitter is currently fifth in the ASUN in kills per set with a team-high 3.37, and is fourth in aces with 0.41 per set. Also ranking high on the charts is setter McKinley Ferguson who having an outstanding junior season, ranking 27th in the nation in assists (10.62 apg, third in ASUN) and 20th in aces (0.53 sapg, first in ASUN). Claire Parsons is fifth in the ASUN hitting percentage (.343) and first in blocks (1.21 bps), while Jasmine Brown is seventh in hitting percentage at .336. Shelby Dennis meanwhile paces the team in digs with 4.33 per set, fifth best in the league.
 
SCOUTING THE HATTERS
Stetson is looking to get back to .500 in the ASUN with its match with Kennesaw State. The Hatters won two of their first three league games but have struggled since, dropping four of their next five matches before rebounding with a 3-0 home win over Queens in their last outing.
 
The Hatters have struggled in scoring this season, ranking ninth in kills per set. Pacing the team has been Elena Djokovic  with 2.92 kps. Stetson has ranked better in defensive stats, as the Hatters are fourth in the ASUN in blocks per set, and second in digs per set.        
 
SCOUTING THE EAGLES
FGCU was the overwhelming favorite to repeat as ASUN champions, until injuries hit the team hard the past month. Not only did the Eagles drop their opener to North Florida, they just saw their nation-leading 22-game home win streak snapped in a 3-1 loss to ASUN co-leader Liberty. The Eagles did recently get back middle blocker Juliana Lentz back after missing six matches.
 
Offensively, FGCU has been a powerhouse this season. Erin Shomaker (3.92 kps) ranks third in the league in kills per set, and as a whole the team is second in hitting percentage. Dana Axner anchors the defense, ranking third with 4.74 dps.      
 

Related Videos

Now Playing:

• Play Video