The No.4-ranked women's volleyball team is looking to improve on their 14-1 record this weekend when they host Brenau University, Randolph-Macon College (Va.), Cornell College (Iowa) and Lynchburg College (Va.) in the Emory Tournament. The Eagles are looking to capitalize on their four-game sweep at last weekend's Emory Invitational.
As a result of the team's strong showing at the invitational, freshman middle Jessica Holler was named the co-Volleyball Player of the Week by the University Athletic Association (UAA). Holler averaged a squad-leading 1.54 blocks per game during the invitational, helping the Eagles sweep their four games. The Eagles are very excited to play in this tournament, and Head Coach Jenny McDowell said, "As always, we will play with great intensity, focus and heart."
At the Emory Tournament this weekend, Emory will host the Brenau University Golden Tigers, the Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets, the Cornell College Rams and the Lynchburg College Hornets. Boasting the strongest record and highest ranking, Emory could be considered the favorite heading into the Swoop's Week tournament, yet will face staunch opposition.
The Brenau University Golden Tigers are sporting a 5-5 overall record heading into the tournament. Led by head coach Jeff White, the Golden Tigers have been playing well in their conference with a 4-2 record. The Tigers split their two games last weekend, beating Brewton-Parker and losing to the College of Coastal Georgia.
The Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets ride a three-game winning streak into the Emory Tournament, having beating Shenandoah (Va.), Catholic (D.C.) and Roanoke (Va.). They currently have a 9-4 overall record.
While the Yellow Jackets will be seeking revenge against the Eagles, they will be looking to beat Lynchburg for the second time this season, after beating them in a three-set sweep on Sept. 11.
"Randolph-Macon is one of the top teams in the South Region and gave us a great match a few weeks ago," McDowell said. "We will have to bring our 'A game' to win this match."
The Cornell College Rams bring their 10-2 record to Atlanta all the way from Mount Vernon, Iowa. The Rams are currently enjoying an eight-game winning streak, being lead along the way by junior Kylea Weber, who was recently named the Midwest Conference defensive performer of the week. Weber is the leader of the Midwest conference and sixth nationally in digs per set, averaging 6.49. McDowell is excited to see her team play against the Rams.
"This match will be a great challenge for us, and I know our players are really excited to play a top team from another region," she said.
The Lynchburg Hornets are on a two-game losing streak and have a 4-8 overall record.
Beth Ellinger and her team will look to turn things around this weekend and build on their most recent win at Guilford. McDowell believes her team will need to be focused against Lynchburg because "they always play with a lot of heart and passion."
McDowell said the team is expecting alumni to attend the tournament, giving her team some extra motivation to perform in front of past players. If everything goes to plan, this team will continue to grow and reach the heights envisioned by its head coach.
– By Oliver Rockman
Photo courtesy of Emory Athletics
