Wildcats Put Winning Streak On The Line Tuesday At Gannon

Daemen seeking first win over Golden Knights since 1998

10/18/2021 11:30:00 AM

Match #20
Daemen Wildcats (13-6, 6-0 ECC) vs. Gannon Golden Knights (18-4, 6-2 PSAC)
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 19
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Erie, Pa. | Hammermill Center
Live Stream: Via PSAC Digital Network
Live Stats: Via gannonsports.com
More Info: Gannon Spectator Policy

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW

1. MEASURING STICK
The surging Daemen Wildcats will have an opportunity Tuesday to see how they stack up against one of the nation's best teams as they'll visit Gannon for a non-conference match. The Golden Knights, a program with 11 NCAA tournament appearances in the last 12 seasons, have been receiving votes in the AVCA top-25 national poll this year. The Wildcats are seeking their first win over Gannon since 1998, and their first win ever at GU's Hammermill Center.

2. ON A ROLL
The Wildcats will ride a six-match winning streak into Wednesday's contest. Daemen has won nine of their last 10 matches, going 28-7 in sets during that span. Daemen's surge has been powered by the offensive play of Caitlyn Meyer, Sam Logan and Maggie Burns - all of whom are averaging more than 2.9 kills per set over the last 10 matches. Meyer has been stellar all year, and she continues to lead the ECC in kills per set (3.51). But, it's been the emergence of Logan and Burns on the opposite side that has made the Wildcats that much more difficult to defend. Burns posted a career-high 16 kills in matches against Southern Connecticut State and Roberts Wesleyan. Logan is averaging a team-high 3.38 kills per set over this span. The Wildcats are also getting a combined 4.09 kills and 1.69 blocks per set with a .344 hitting percentage between middle blockers Loren Alberts and Vanessa Kuliga. Alberts leads the ECC in blocks per set (0.75) while Kuliga leads in hitting percentage (.353).

3. GETTING DEFENSIVE
Daemen has been arguably the best defensive team in the ECC so far this season. The Wildcats lead the conference and rank 40th nationally with 1,153 digs. They're also holding opponents to a .123 hitting percentage, best in the league and good for 18th nationally. Sophomore Jasmine Brundage continues to lead the ECC in both total digs (285) and digs per set (4.13) She's had plenty of support as Olivia Alessi and Maggie Burns are averaging 2.81 and 2.46 digs per set, respectively. Daemen, Mercy and Molloy are the only ECC teams with three players averaging at least 2.45 digs per set.

4. CLASS OF THE ECC
Daemen sits alone in first place in the ECC standings - the only team remaining without a conference loss. The Wildcats' 3-0 win over D'Youville last Wednesday concluded the opening round of ECC contests, and they hold a two-game lead over Bridgeport, Molloy and Mercy which are all tied for second place at 4-2. The Wildcats could potentially clinch an ECC tournament berth as early as this weekend.

5. UP NEXT
The Wildcats have their first open weekend of the season and will return to action next Tuesday, October 19 when they visit Gannon.

GANNON SCOUTING REPORT
Gannon is member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and the Golden Knights are led by veteran head coach Matt Darling. Now in his 15th season at the helm, Darling has turned the Golden Knights into perennial contenders, winning two PSAC championships and making 11 NCAA tournament appearances in his tenure.

Gannon's 18-player roster features 13 returning players, including middle blocker Ashley Kerestes, setter Ashley Beyers, outside hitter Lauren Sampson and setter/right side Ashley McClung who each earned All-PSAC honors during the 2019 season when the Golden Knights made a run to the Elite Eight. The Golden Knights are off to an 18-4 start and receiving votes in the AVCA top-25 national poll. Since suffering back-to-back losses to Edinboro and Mercyhurst, Gannon has rebounded to win three straight. Their only other setbacks this season came against nationally ranked (#4) Nebraska-Kearney and (#19) West Florida.

Sampson has paced the Gannon offense thus far. She leads the PSAC in service aces per set (0.60) while ranking second in kills per set (3.79). She has recorded 10+ kills in 13 of 19 matches this season, including a season-high 21 in the loss to West Florida. Additional offensive production is coming from McClung (2.60 kills/set) and freshman outside hitter Sam Deinek (2.25 kills/set). Beyers (10.46 assists/set) is one off three PSAC players to be averaging double-figure assists.

As a team, Gannon is among the most efficient in the country, both offensively and defensively. The Golden Knights rank in the top 20 nationally in both hitting percentage (.257) and digs per set (18.25). They are limiting opponents to a .110 hitting percentage - seventh best in the country.

ALL-TIME SERIES: DAEMEN VS. GANNON
Series Record: Gannon leads 13-1
At Gannon: Gannon leads 5-0
Current Streak: Gannon won 13
Last Meeting: Gannon 3, Daemen 2 (15-25, 15-25, 26-24, 25-13, 6-15) | April 3, 2021 | at Amherst, N.Y.

Print Friendly Version