The Bearcats had big nights from right side hitter Shannon Williams as she led the team with 19 kills. four digs and two blocks. Williams had some statement kills and provided the Bearcats a big spark of energy on the opposite pin tonight. Outside hitter Maria Mallon also had a great night as she recorded yet another double-double for the Bearcats as she also led the team with 19 kills tied with Williams. Mallon also recorded 15 digs, three service aces and two blocks. The senior outside has continued to show why she is arguably one of the best players in the American Athletic Conference. Alex Kwasnik also had a big night as she recorded seven kills with just one error, hitting for a .375% for the match. Kwasnik also recorded two blocks including a big solo block on the outside. Adria Oliver and Abby Walker both had great nights at the net as they combined for seven blocks. Libero Payton Frederick tallied a team high 15 digs, tied with Maria Mallon, and Maria Tobergte for a team high. Frederick also had two service aces on the offensive side, now the defensive side Frederick had an outstanding game as she had a lot of incredible saves and really set the Bearcats up with her defense tonight.
The fans really did a fantastic job to come out and support the Volleyball program tonight in this crosstown rivalry for the first time having fans back for a match since 2019.
“I thought the atmosphere in here tonight was just electrifying. We always talk about volleyball being an event you could just feel that here from when the team ran out of the tunnel and onto the court. It was just loud and energetic, it was really fun to be back in front of our fans.”
Xavier came into today 4-4, but the Bearcats showed they wanted to win this Crosstown matchup after splitting the series 1-1 last season.
Coach Alvey said after the match, “We always expect a battle with these guys, we know that every match up that we come into with them it’s going to be everyone’s best match. A home town rival, everyone is fired up, you have the adrenaline going, so we always expect the best, prepare for the best, two great volleyball programs going at it at the end of the day. ”
The Bearcats are now looking to make it four straight matches in a row as they have a quick turn around when they travel to Oxford to take on instate foe Miami(OH) this Saturday at 8pm. Here is what Coach Alvey had to say ahead of Saturday’s match.
“Miami is another fantastic volleyball program here within our region. I think that one is going to be another high energy battle for us”
The Bearcats are looking to make it four matches in a row before they kick off conference play next week. They now sit at 4-3 on the season ahead of Saturday’s contest. The Bearcats are playing some great volleyball right now so make sure to check it out this Saturday night and watch as the Bearcats to capture their fourth straight victory.
