SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Indiana University South Bend volleyball returns to action this weekend, travelling to Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference opponent Saint Ambrose University on Friday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. (EST) before playing two matches in Dubuque, Iowa, against Graceland and Clarke on Saturday, Sept. 28.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @IUSBVB
Titans at a Glance
Indiana University South Bend (7-5, 4-1 CCAC) enters the weekend riding a six-game winning streak, tied for the longest activing streak in program history. Last week, IUSB swept Judson University inside the Student Activities Center on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
Winning Streak
During the six-game winning streak, the Titans have defeated their opponents in 20 sets, winning 18. IUSB has swept its opponent in five of its last six matches and now sit in fourth overall in the CCAC behind Trinity Christian (8-5, 6-0 CCAC), St. Francis (11-8, 6-1 CCAC), and Trinity International (12-5, 5-1 CCAC).
Getting Offensive
IUSB’s offense has been dominant during the early part of the conference season, ranking first in the CCAC in kills per set (12.3) and assists per set (11.2). The Titans also sit second amongst the conference in digs per set (.17.4).
Marchand Amongst the Nation’s Best
Jacksonville transfer Hannah Marchand ranks as one of the nation’s best offensive players this season, ranking 23rd in the NAIA and first in the CCAC in kills per game (3.9). The Sturgis, Mich. native also ranks 32nd in the NAIA and second amongst conference players in hitting percentage (.320).
Scouting the Bees
Saint Ambrose enters Friday with a 3-11 overall record and a 2-3 CCAC record. The Bees currently ride a three-game losing streak after falling to CCAC opponents Cardinal Stritch (3-0), Trinity International (3-0) and Olivet Nazarene (3-1). SAU sits in ninth in the conference and attack at a .112 clip, while its opponents attack at a .188 rate. The Bees have won most of their sets in the first set with seven and look to do the same on Friday. Saint Ambrose holds the advantage in the head-to-head matchup, winning three of the four contests. IUSB’s lone victory came on Oct. 7, 2017 in Davenport, Iowa.
Looking Ahead
Following Friday, IU South Bend heads to Dubuque, Iowa for a doubleheader at Clarke University. The Titans face Graceland University on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. and Clarke at 4 p.m.
