Volleyball Faces Brown and Yale in New England Weekend Showdown
The University of Pennsylvania volleyball team is set for a crucial weekend in New England, facing off against Brown and Yale. This doubleheader is part of a series of five consecutive road matches for the Quakers, intensifying their push to secure a spot in the Ivy League Tournament.
Weekend Match Schedule
The matches are scheduled as follows:
- Game 19: Penn vs. Brown
Date: Friday, October 31
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Broadcast: Live on ESPN+ - Game 20: Penn vs. Yale
Date: Saturday, November 1
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Broadcast: Live on ESPN+
Current Standings
Penn enters the weekend with a record of 9-9 overall and 3-5 in the Ivy League. They find themselves hunting for advancement in the standings, as both Brown and Yale currently hold higher positions. Yale sits in fourth place, two games ahead of the Quakers.
Historical Context
In their previous meeting this season, Penn narrowly lost to Brown 3-2, despite winning the first two sets. Last season, both teams won one match each against each other. The competition with Yale has been particularly challenging for Penn, who has lost 12 consecutive matches against the Bulldogs.
Key Player Highlights
Penn’s success hinges on several key players this season:
- Addison Pollock: Leading the team in digs with an impressive average of 5.11 per set, ranking ninth nationally among freshmen.
- Zada Sanger: The team’s top scorer with 215 kills this season, Sanger also received Player of the Week honors in September.
- Jenna Garner: Boasting multiple double-digit performances, she stands as a versatile player contributing both offensively and defensively.
Team Dynamics Under New Management
This season marks the first for head coach Tyler Hagstrom, who took over after coaching at Bucknell. His leadership is expected to influence the team’s performance significantly. The Quakers return a strong core from last season, retaining a majority of their kills, digs, and blocks.
The upcoming matches represent a pivotal opportunity for the Quakers to enhance their standing and push towards the Ivy League Tournament. Stay updated on their performance and progress through Emegypt.
