FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Volleyball will begin MIAA action this week as the Lions visit Newman and Pittsburg State.
The Lions will take on the Jets at 6 p.m. Thursday followed by taking on the Gorillas at 6 p.m. Friday. Both games will be streamed on the MIAA Network with live stats available at uafortsmithlions.com.
NOTES:
LAST WEEK: The Lions extended their win streak to five matches by going 3-0 at the Harding Invitational, defeating Southwest Baptist, Southern Arkansas and Crowley's Ridge.
ALL-TOURNAMENT: Outside hitter Lydia Pitts and libero Abbey Jackson were selected to the All-Tournament Team for their performances at the Harding Invitational.
AROUND THE LEAGUE: UAFS leads the league in aces per set a 2.07 and is the least blocked team in the league.
LEAGUE LEADERS: Setter Scarlette Young leads the MIAA with 0.63 aces per set with a total of 27. Middle Aspen Olson is fourth in attack percentage at .406 while middle Crystal Smith tops the league with 1.47 blocks per set with a total of 63.
RECORD WATCH: Young has accumulated 63 career aces in only her second year which places her 13th all-time in the NCAA II era.
FUN FACT: UAFS assistant coach Marisa Compton was the head coach at Newman for the previous three seasons.
SCOUTING NU: The Jets are 2-9 on the year having lost their last five matches. Newman ranks last in the MIAA in hitting percentage at .142 and allows opponents to hit a league-high .248. Setter Madalyn Hoot averages 8.56 assists per set for the Jets.
SCOUTING PSU: The Gorillas are 6-4 as the season turns to league play, sporting a 5-2 home record. Pitt State leads the MIAA with 2.82 blocks per set, led by middle Anna Dean, who ranks second in the league to Smith with 1.45 blocks per set.
THE SERIES: UAFS leads the all-time series against Newman, 22-2, while the Lions are just 1-3 against Pitt State.
