Rice University
Charlotte
Preview: Owls Set for Final Homestand
11/1/2018 10:10:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
League-leading Owls set to host Charlotte, UAB
HOUSTON - The Rice Owls volleyball team returns home this weekend for their final homestand of the regular season, beginning Friday versus Charlotte at 6 p.m., followed by a Senior Day showdown against UAB on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Stay updated with all things Rice volleyball this weekend by following the Owls on Twitter and Instagram at @RiceVolleyball as well as online at www.RiceOwls.com.
Rice Owls (19-4, 10-0 C-USA) vs. Charlotte 49ers (15-12, 5-6 C-USA)
Friday, Nov. 2, 6 p.m. (CT)
Houston, Texas (Tudor Fieldhouse)
Buy Tickets: Purchase Here
Promotions: STM Appreciation - Pick up your STM gift; Fac/Staff Appreciation: Four free tickets for all fac/staff with Rice ID; Kids Club Game - Prize wheel for Kids Club; Students - Coffee Mugs.
CUSAtv ($): Video Streaming
Live Stats: Sidearm
Twitter Updates: @RiceVolleyball
Series Record: Rice leads Charlotte, 5-0
THE OPPOSITION
Charlotte (2018 Record: 15-12, 5-6, W2)
The 49ers currently have the eighth and final C-USA Tournament spot entering play this weekend, holding the tie-breaker with UAB (also 5-6). Charlotte has won their last two matches and four of six overall and are 5-6 on the road this season. During league action, the 49ers lead C-USA in total blocks (127.0) and blocks per set (2.76) and rank second to Rice in opponent's hitting percentage (.183). Freshman middle blocker Tyra Galloway leads the league with 59 total blocks and 1.59 blocks per set while junior libero Yumi Garcia ranks second in total digs (213) and digs per set (4.95).
Rice Owls vs. UAB Blazers (13-12, 5-6 C-USA)
Sunday, Nov. 4, 1 p.m. (CT)
Houston, Texas (Tudor Fieldhouse)
Buy Tickets: Purchase Here
Promotions: Senior Day (Pregame Ceremony); STM Appreciation - Pick up your STM gift; Cupcakes for students
CUSAtv ($): Video Streaming
Live Stats: Sidearm
Twitter Updates: @RiceVolleyball
Series Record: Rice leads UAB, 15-6
THE OPPOSITION
UAB (2018 Record: 13-12, 5-6, W2)
The Blazers are just 3-7 on the road this season and 1-4 during C-USA play. UAB ranks second during league play in service aces, recording 1.30 aces per set. The Blazers have a balanced offensive attack with four players averaging two kills per set, led by sophomore outside hitter Abby Carlile (2.95 kps).
TEAM NOTES
- Rice is in the midst of a school record 13-match winning streak. The Owls broke the previous program record of 12 straight victories set during the 1995 campaign last Sunday at UTEP.
- The Owls have secured a spot in the C-USA Championship tournament, which will take place Nov. 16-18 in Huntington, W.V. (hosted by Marshall).
- Rice climbed up to No. 16 (previously No. 18) in the latest VolleyballMag.com's Mid-Major Top 25 Poll. Rice is also the highest ranked C-USA team in the Pablo Rankings, coming in at No. 43.
- In the latest NCAA RPI rankings the Owls are ranked 31st, the highest in C-USA. The Owls are also receiving votes for the first time this season in the latest AVCA Coaches Poll.
- The Owls 19-4 record is the second-best mark in program history through 23 games (20-3 in 2004). The Owls set a program record with 25 wins in 2004.
- Rice leads all of C-USA in digs per set (18.57-5th nationally), opponents hitting percentage (.155-15th nationally), and team attacks per set (37.97-28th nationally). During league only play, Rice leads the conference in hitting percentage. (.276), opponents hitting percentage (.151), opponents assists (11.11 per set), opponents kills (11.92 per set), opponents blocks (1.61 per set), and digs (19.61 per set).
- The Owls are one win away from their fifth consecutive 20-win season and the eighth of Rice head coach Genny Volpe's career.
- Junior libero Lee Ann Cunningham was named the C-USA Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, her third C-USA weekly honor of the season and second in the last three weeks.
- Sophomore outside hitter Nicole Lennon has registered 10 or more kills in 17 consecutive matches and has recorded a double-double in nine of her last 10 matches overall.
- Sunday will mark the final home match for seniors Shelby Livingstone and McKay Kyle, who will both be honored prior to the match with a pregame ceremony.
