No. 11 Tiger Volleyball takes on Centre and Sewanee for a second time this season.
The Tigers (12-3, 6-0 SAA) are coming off an off weekend. However, before that, the Tigers traveled to Berry College for the SAA megapod where they dominated the field. The Tigers swept Oglethorpe and Sewanee, then took down Millsaps 3-1.
SAA Offensive Player of the Week - Marissa Drange
For the first time in her career,
Marissa Drange (Boerne, Texas / Boerne Champion) has been selected as the SAA Offensive Player of the Week.
From the SAA Press Release:
Drange led 12th-ranked Trinity University to a 3-0 weekend of SAA play in Georgia, as the Tigers defeated Oglethorpe University, Sewanee, and Millsaps College to remain unbeaten in conference play so far this season. Drange piled up 25 kills (2.78 per set) and a scorching .447 hitting percentage over the weekend, averaging 26.5 points per set in her nine sets played. She led the team with 11 kills to go with a .625 hitting percentage in the team's 3-0 win over Oglethorpe to start the weekend, then piled up nine kills and a team-best and career-high (min. 10 attacks) .643 hitting percentage to secure the unbeaten weekend in a 3-1 win over Millsaps. Overall, this season, Drange is hitting .250 with 1.92 kills per set in 25 sets played.
SAA Defensive Player of the Week - Jenna Rodriguez
For the first time this season,
Jenna Rodriguez (San Antonio, Texas / Antonian) has been selected as the SAA Player of the Week.
From the SAA Press Release:
Rodriguez led the 12th-ranked Trinity University volleyball team to a 3-0 record in SAA action over the weekend, defeating Oglethorpe University, Sewanee, and Millsaps College to remain unbeaten in conference play. Rodriguez tallied 51 digs in 10 sets for an average of 5.1 digs per set over the weekend, adding 16 assists to go with three service aces. She also recorded just two reception errors in 33 attempts (0.20 reception errors per set). Rodriguez led the team with nine digs against Oglethorpe to open the weekend, then piled up 22 digs in just three sets against Sewanee. She finished the weekend with 20 more digs and eight assists in the 3-1 win over Millsaps on Sunday. Rodriguez is averaging 4.73 digs per set this season.
Preview - Back at the JJ
The Tigers will return home to
Julie Jenkins Court. First, the squad will take on Centre on Saturday, October 11th at 5:00 PM. Then, the Tigers will close the weekend against Sewanee on Sunday, October 12th at noon.
On the Centre Colonels: The Colonels enter Calgaard Gymnasium with a 10-6 record (3-4 SAA). Of their 16 matches this season, only four have gone beyond three sets—against Transylvania, Rhodes, Millsaps, and Sewanee. Against top conference opponents such as Southwestern, Trinity, and Berry, the Colonels have yet to take a set. Offensively, Centre relies heavily on junior outside hitter Syd Bietz, who leads the team with 166 kills and averages 3.98 points per set. Senior right-side hitter Hollye Tate has also been a steady contributor, approaching 100 kills on the season while hitting an efficient .280. On defense, Emersyn Pannell anchors the back row with 205 digs. In their previous meeting, Trinity dominated Centre with a 3-0 sweep, highlighted by a commanding 25-7 victory in the final set. Historically, the Tigers hold a 38-2 advantage in the all-time series.
On the Sewanee Tigers: Sewanee enters the matchup with a 10-8 record (3-4 SAA). After a slow 2-4 start, the Purple Tigers have found their rhythm, winning eight of their last twelve matches. In conference play, Sewanee has earned victories over Millsaps, Oglethorpe, and Rhodes, but has fallen to Southwestern, Trinity, Berry, and Centre. Offensively, Sewanee is powered by a pair of standout outside hitters who have each recorded over 150 kills. Savannah Gann leads the team with 193 kills on 551 attacks and averages 3.93 points per set. Junior middle blocker Anna Ellison anchors the front line with 64 total blocks, ranking 32nd nationally. In their previous meeting, Trinity swept Sewanee to extend its perfect all-time record in the series to 36-0.
Looking Ahead
The Tigers will hit the road to Georgia to play against Emory, Berry, and Oglethorpe from October 17th through 19th.
