CSB |
Roster |
Schedule |
Stats |
SMU |
Roster |
Schedule |
Stats |
Home Stretch: The Blazers are in the midst of a season-long three-game home stretch, capped by this weekend's games. After a win on Tuesday, they enter at 13-4 on the season and 2-1 in the MIAC, and this weekend host 7-5 Saint Mary's who is also 2-1 in the conference, and 6-10 St. Olaf who is 3-1 in the MIAC.
About Saint Mary's: After running off four straight wins, the Cardinals dropped a 3-1 match to Augsburg their last time out. In MIAC action they opened with a 3-0 sweep of Macalester and a 3-2 win over St. Catherine. The Cardinals finished just 3-8 in the MIAC last season, placing ninth. This season they were picked seventh in the preseason by the coaches.
About St. Olaf: After struggling through the non conference season, the Ole's opened MIAC action with three straight wins. Their only loss came their last time out to Concordia, who is currently one of only two unbeatens left in conference play. The Ole's finshed 2011 at 4-7 in the MIAC and 13-14 overall. This season they were tabbed for a eighth place finish by the coaches.
Last Time Out: Earlier this week, the Blazers rode a stellar defensive effort to sweep UW-Superior 3-0. The Yellowjackets entered with a 12-4 record, but the Blazer block and back row held them to a mere .007 attack for the match. The lowest number the Blazers have allowed all season was paced by their 76 digs and 14 block assists, each the best in a three-set match all season.
MIAC Run: After their non conference win over UW-Superior earlier this week, the Blazers open a run of four straight in the MIAC tonight. Tomorrow they host St. Olaf, and next week take on Macalester and St. Catherine in a key stretch that will begin to separate the conference standings.
League Leaders:
Lexi Alm remains in the MIAC lead in total kills with 208, but has slipped to third in kills per set with 3.53. Conversely,
Taya Kockelman leads the league with 10.46 assists per set, but is second in total kills with 617. And likewise,
Victoria Nass leads with 6.17 digs per set, but is second in total digs with 370.
Top-25: For the third straight week the Blazers sit outside the national rankings, receiving votes, but not enough to crack the top-25. This week they totaled 25 points, four teams shy No. 25.
Head Coach Nicole Hess:
Nicole Hess leads the Blazers in her third season in 2012, coming off back-to-back 18-win seasons. After turning around a struggling St. Catherine program, she took over Saint Benedict in 2010. St. Kates won just three matches her first season, but won 19 and 18 respectively her final two seasons with Hess earning MIAC Coach of the Year honors in 2009. In two seasons at CSB she is 36-25 overall and 14-8 in the MIAC. Her last two years at St. Kates along with her first two with the Blazers have produced a 73-49 record and a 25-19 MIAC mark.
2012 Statistical Leaders:
Saint Benedict
