How will American Eagles fight the Blue Hens? - Volleyball Preview
The top team of the Patriot League regular season as well as the Patriot League Tournament, the American Eagles (23-10), are scheduled to take up the initial challenge at the NCAA Tournament on Friday, December 2. They will cross paths with the Blue Hens
of Delaware State University in the first round match. The Blue Hens come with the title of CCA Championship winners and have compiled a record of 20-12 in the regular season. The two teams have not played since 2000.
This year, the NCAA Championship has created the chance of bringing them together on centre court. The two programs will have their 15th meeting, dating back to 1976. Blue Hens hold a 8-6 all-time series lead, which shows that Americans will have
the psychological advantage. The Eagles won four of the last five matches against Delaware. In their last meeting in 2000, American Eagles managed to overcome the tough rivasl and posted a 3-0 victory. That is what the Eagles can build their confidence on
as Delaware's previous win was at American in 1996 after a gruelling five sets.
Today’s match will be a real trial for both teams. The Eagles, who come into the NCAA Tournament on an 18-1 stretch, including a 10-0 mark since October 19, will be required to produce an good performance, in order to overcome the Blue Hens. The records
show that Eagles are enjoying a good form and their last loss came at the hands of Lehigh on October 15 during the regular season. The loss snapped an eight game winning streak.
Eagles clawed their way to the NCAA Tournament by capturing the top slot in Patriot League. They defeated Colgate University in the Patriot League semi-final match. Carrying out the same momentum, the Eagles defeated Army team and seized the championship
title. Both of the crucial matches ended in four sets. However, the Eagles qualified for the NCAA Tournament.
In the upcoming tough encounter, the Eagles will heavily rely on the freshman sensation Sara Rishell. She demonstrated a stellar performance during the regular season and clinched individual award of the Patriot League Player and Rookie of the Year. Eagles
will have to use her for strong offense in the next match against Blue Hens. With the help of Rishell, Eagles will be able to build a good fighting score.
Juliana Crum will also support Eagles. Previously, she was named to the All-Patriot League First Team. The first round match of NCAA Championship will put her skills to another test. Crum is not only good in attack but she is also known for her defensive
efforts. She is a brilliant digger who has helped Eagles in the past.
American uses two setters in their matches and both Monika Smidova and Alexandra Hammer know their jobs well. They have proven their talent in the Patriot League matches and it is likely that they will keep up the same momentum against Blue Hens in the upcoming
match.
Now if the strong offense of Eagles combined with good defence work out, they will not take long to sideline the Blue Hens, one more time. However, the real picture of the match will become evident as the two teams will make it to the centre court. Keep
your fingers crossed and check back for latest news.
The opinions expressed in this article are of the writer and do not reflect the editorial policy of Bettor.com
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