Marquette Volleyball Hosts Marquette Challenge This Weekend

Sept. 11, 2008

MILWAUKEE--The Marquette women's volleyball team returns to action this weekend as it hosts the Marquette Challenge at the Al McGuire Center. Coming to the McGuire Center this weekend will be Bowling Green (6-2), Temple (3-2) and Green Bay (3-4). Marquette's game against Green Bay will be televised locally in Milwaukee on Time Warner Cable Sports, Channel 32, on a tape delay basis. Fans can also listen live on the web via WMUR.

"We are looking forward to playing another few games this weekend in front of our own fans," said head coach Pati Rolf. "After being away last weekend it is nice to not worry about traveling, especially for the younger players."

The Golden Eagles are eager to get back on the court following a weekend at the UNI Invitational in Cedar Falls, Iowa that saw MU lose its first two matches to Clemson (3-0) and Northern Iowa (3-0) before defeating Northern Illinois, 3-1 in their final match.

Caryn Mastandrea was named to the UNI Invitational All-Tournament Team last weekend. She pitched in a season-high 39 assists to go along with six kills and five digs against NIU, while senior Ashlee Fisher contributed a season-high 22 kills, topping her previous season high of 18 against Chattanoga. Both of Fisher's top kill totals this season have been Marquette victories. Fisher currently leads the BIG EAST Conference in kills per set with 4.19 and sits tied for 18th in the nation.

"Caryn is really settling in this season and Ashlee Fisher had a great weekend at UNI," said Rolf.

With the loss of middle blocker Holly Mertens prior to the season, Marquette looked as though they might struggle up front, but heading into the tournament this weekend the Golden Eagles are ranked third in the BIG EAST in blocks. That success can be attributed to sophomore Rabbecka Gonyo's experience and the emergence of freshmen Tiara Russell and Laira Akin.

"Injuries are a part of life and it has allowed other players to step up to help the squad," Rolf said. "Tia is really stepping up as are other players who have been affected by injuries themselves like Katie Vancura."

Marquette will play Temple Friday night at 7 p.m., before returning to action Saturday at 12:30 p.m. against in-state rival Green Bay. For the final match of the tournament MU will play host to Bowling Green on Saturday at 7 p.m.

"I am sure that when the film starts rolling for the TV game it will ramp things up a bit," said Rolf.