By: Mark Wasik
Friday, October 27
7 p.m. – Kennesaw State (12-9, 5-5 ASUN) vs. Jacksonville (7-15, 4-6 ASUN)
Location: Convocation Center | Kennesaw, Ga.
Sunday, October 29
1 p.m. – Kennesaw State (12-9, 5-5 ASUN) vs. North Florida (12-15, 5-5 ASUN)
Location: Convocation Center | Kennesaw, Ga.
KSU GAME NOTES
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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State is hosting a pair of Atlantic Sun Conference volleyball contests this weekend in the Convocation Center, as the Owls will take on Jacksonville on Friday at 7 p.m., followed by a Sunday, 1 p.m. match against North Florida. Friday's game will be Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night at KSU, while Sunday will feature several Halloween themed events including a bounce house, face painting, and all fans are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes.
Kennesaw State got off to a hot start, winning seven of its first 10 games which included three victories over Power Five opponents. After suffering several hits to their starting lineup that lead to a 1-4 start in league action, the Owls have bounced back with four wins in the past five games to stand at 5-5 in the Atlantic Sun. With just six games left in the regular season, that leaves every game left in the Owls' run not just to clinch a tournament spot, but a potential top-five seed as well. Currently KSU is tied for seventh in the ASUN with North Florida, just one win behind fifth place North Alabama and Stetson.
The Owls will be looking this weekend to avenge a pair of road losses that came during a season-high three-game losing streak, as KSU dropped a 3-0 contest at North Florida and a five-set match 3-2 at Jacksonville at the start of the month.
Both games this weekend will be streamed live on ESPN+.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sophomore outside hitter Manu Johnsen, 2022 Atlantic Sun Freshman of the Year and a preseason All-ASUN selection this season, currently leads the league and is top 50 in the nation in both kills (3.95 kps) and points (4.52 pps). Senior defensive specialist Shelby Dennis is currently seventh in the ASUN with 4.13 digs per set, while a pair of Owls rank in the top 10 in blocks, as freshman Olivia Burrage is third (1.06 bps) and senior Claire Parsons is seventh (0.91 bps). Also shining in 2023 is super senior Emma Schurfranz, who is fifth in kills (3.19 kps), and third in points (3.93 ppg).
SCOUTING THE DOLPHINS...
After JU's 3-2 victory in the first meeting, which snapped a nine-game losing streak for the Dolphins, the team split its next four matches, including this past weekend with a win at Central Arkansas and a 3-1 loss at North Alabama. Pacing the team on offense is Anna Erickson with 3.04 kills per set, and 252 for the season. Rebecca Rocassin is first in assists with 9.77 per set, Kristina Nika is posting 3.89 digs per set and Lyric Love is averaging 0.87 blocks per set this season.
SCOUTING THE OSPREYS...
The Ospreys have done most of their damage at home this season, with eight of their 12 total victories coming on their home court. Only one league win has been on the road, this past Sunday's 3-1 victory at Central Arkansas. This weekend continues a four-game road swing for UNF, following a 4-0 sweep at home. Kailey McKnight leads the team on offense with 3.26 kills per set, one of five players with at least 100 total kills this season. Annie Antar is next with 7.19 assists per set, while Rocio Moro is tops in digs (4.80 dps) and Maddie Boyd in blocks (0.80).
