Tornados Host LaGrange, Maryville in Tri-Match

Tornados Host LaGrange, Maryville in Tri-Match

BREVARD, N.C. – The Brevard College volleyball team makes its 2017 home debut this weekend when the Tornados play host to LaGrange and Maryville in a Saturday tri-match that is set to begin at noon.

Brevard (6-2) enters the weekend on a three-match winning streak, tying the longest of the season, following recent wins over Emory & Henry, Piedmont and Berea. The Tornados take to the court on Saturday at noon against LaGrange and return at 4 p.m. to square off against Maryville.

Leading the way the Tornados offense, which has amassed 316 kills (11.29 kills/set) through the first eight matches, are Rachel Ruble (88 kills), Hannah Elmore (68) and Stephanie Lambert (65). The play of senior Josie McElroy, who has handed out a team-high 261 assists, has allowed Brevard to establish a .162 hitting percentage this season.

Opponents have managed only 280 kills (10 kills/set) against the Tornados in 2017 due in large part to the defensive contributions by Maggie Weiss (159 digs), Whitney DeMoss (14 total blocks—6 solo blocks), Ruble (11 total blocks) and Lambert (11 total blocks).

LaGrange (7-6) enters the weekend on a three-match losing skid after posting six consecutive wins between Sept. 15-21. Emily Arnold (114 kills) and Maggie Ivester (81) are pacing a Panther offense that has accrued 462 kills (10.50 kills/set), exactly 100 more than their competition. Teammates Lauren Sanders (194) and Libby Compton (130) lead the way in assists, guiding the team to a .178 attack percentage.

Amanda Betty (221 digs), Jazzlyn Kenner (50 blocks) and Arnold (23 blocks) led the way for a Panther defense that has limited the opposition to 8.23 kills/set. LaGrange's front row combination of Kenner, Arnold and Samantha James (22 blocks) is responsible for a bulk of the team's 104 total blocks (55 solo).

Maryville (6-8) brings a three-match winning streak into the weekend after downing Wesleyan (Ga.), Agnes Scott and Berea in succession. Brianne Sidner (123 kills) and Nia Haller (119) highlight a Scots lineup that has amassed 546 kills (10.71 kills/set).

The Scots are surrendering 12.59 kills/set (642 kills) to their opposition despite the back row tandem of Kaitlyn Flickinger and Yasmeen Chan posting 193 and 105 digs, respectively. Arin Wyttenbach has also made her presence felt for the Maryville defense with 31 total blocks as she leads the team in assisted blocks (24) and solo blocks (seven).

For more information on Brevard College athletics check out www.bctornados.com.