Undefeated Badgers Take on Three-Time Champions Kentucky State
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (November 7, 2018) – Riding a 27 game winning streak, the 9th ranked Spring Hill Badgers will face off against the three-time defending SIAC Volleyball Champions, Kentucky State, inside the Birmingham Crossplex on Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. CST.
Kentucky State is coming off of a thrilling 3-2 win over Albany State last night and is in control over their fate in the 2018 SIAC Championship. Entering the match against Spring Hill, Kentucky State is 14-3 in the SIAC, falling to Tuskegee and Spring Hill in the regular season. Spring Hill is perfect in the SIAC at 17-0 and 31-3 on the season.
The Badgers have been victorious in the past three meetings between the two squads.
Kentucky State Preview
Kentucky State is a very solid team, but is most recognize for their offensive efforts. Sophomore outside hitter Robin Poole and senior middle hitter Arlandria Greathouse leads the Kentucky State offense as they have a combined 722 kills on the season. On the season, Poole has had 17 games where she has posted double-digit kills as Greathouse follows closely behind posting double-digits in 16 games. Both Poole and Greathouse garnered all-conference honors after concluding the regular season.
Alongside the two offensive powerhouses, there are two other offensive players that helped Kentucky State’s championship pedigree. Brooke Moore, the only remaining player that has seen the Thorobreds through their three-time championship titles, has been an additional key asset to the Thorobred offense. Moore has seen success as she is the fourth leading scorer for the Thorobreds posting 179 kills this season. Jalynn Roberts has also been an asset for the Thorobreds as she averages 1.58 kills per set and has the highest hitting percentage for the Thorobreds (.249).
Sophomore setter Gabriella Gracia is from Trullio Alto, Puerto Rico and serves as the heart of the Thorobred offense after serving as their primary libero during her rookie campaign. Garcia, a member of last year’s all-tournament team, averages 4.90 assists per game collecting 676 assits on the season.
The Thorobred defense will be key in this matchup against the Badgers and has the personnel to ensure their success. Freshman libero Alliyah Williams has made her mark during her rookie season on the Thorobred defense as she is ranked fifth in the conference posting 513 digs (3.64 dig/set) on the season.
Spring Hill Preview
As the Badgers look to improve their 27-game streak, Spring Hill has proved that they their team is a force to be reckoned. The Badgers 31-3 record has been the best record since 2013 where they finished 37-5 on the season prior to joining the league.
Since the Badgers entrance into the league in 2014, this will be the Badgers first opportunity to prove themselves in post-season competition as they look to continue their sweep. In the tenure of head Coach Peggy Martin, Spring Hill has been an offense-heavy team. This year is no different.
Since the beginning of the season, Fairly has proved to be a great addition to the established Badgers offense. Fairly has set the tone for her rookie season as she leads Spring Hill with 316 kills in the regular season posting 3.13 kills per set. The Ft. Walton Beach, Fl. native leads the SIAC and is ranked at No. 7 in Division II in hitting percentage as she averages 3.12 kills per set while collecting two of the highest conference honors – Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year. Sophomore outside hitter Allison Weimer is the second leading scorer for the Badgers and a go-to for Spring Hill as she has collected 252 kills in the regular season. Each player has the ability to get hot and contribute to double-digit kills at any moment, which will be much needed against Kentucky State.
Setter Emmarose Neibert has been lights out in her junior season and can seemingly do no wrong. This offense potent and is leading the conference in hitting percentage (.271), assists (12.46), and kills (13.37).
Defensively, Spring Hill has experience and leadership. Two junior defensive specialists Cassidi Sterrett and Payton Gidney will add experience to this back row. Sterrett, the 2018 SIAC Libero of the Year, leads the Spring Hill defense averaging 5.20 digs per set in the regular season.