By: Mark Wasik
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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State won six-straight games to start the month of October, before a loss at North Florida sent the Owls into a slump where they would lose five of their next six matches. However, KSU would turnaround its recent fortunes with a thrilling five-set victory over Central Arkansas on the Owls' Senior Day, over a team that had come in looking for a share of second-place in the ASUN. KSU is hoping to carry the momentum from that win into this week's ASUN tournament, hosted by Lipscomb in Nashville.
The Owls are hoping for better luck in Allen Arena then they have had so far in 2022, having dropped 3-1 and 3-0 losses earlier this month in back-to-back visits to Lipscomb. The good news for KSU, their opponent in Thursday's quarterfinal matchup with third-seed Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks bring a 24-5 mark into the contest, but two of the losses were at the hands of the Owls, and both by 3-0 scores. Both teams are also looking for revenge, JSU for its two season losses to KSU, and the Owls for their five-set loss to the Gamecocks in the 2021 semifinals round. The Owls are also looking to reach the semifinals for the eighth straight season, as the last time KSU was not one of the final four teams left in the tournament was in 2014.
The biggest key for KSU this season has been its overall depth, as KSU is routinely playing 11-12 players a match, while the top seven players in the kills category all range between 85-241.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Setter
McKinley Ferguson who is having an outstanding junior season, ranking seventh in the ASUN in aces (0.39 saps) and fourth in assists (10.55 aps).
Claire Parsons is seventh in the league in hitting percentage (.327) and fifth in blocks (1.06 bps), while
Jasmine Brown is tenth in hitting percentage at .316.
Shelby Dennis meanwhile paces the team in digs with 4.50 per set, fifth-best in the conference.
SCOUTING THE GAMECOCKS...
Jacksonville State has gained a lot of momentum going into the ASUN Tournament thanks to racking up four 3-0 sweeps in its past five games, helping them lock up the third overall seed.
The Gamecocks have had a very strong season, and are being led on offense by Lena Kindermann (3.70 kps) who ranks 4th in the ASUN in kills per set. Kindermann (.342) and fellow fifth year, Kaite Montgomery (3.71) are also two of the top three ASUN players in hitting percentage.
