MATCH INFORMATION
MATCH #1: Jacksonville vs. Lamar Cardinals
DATE: Friday, August 25 – 4:00 pm
SITE: Jervey Gym | Clemson University | Clemson, S.C.
2017 RECORDS: Jacksonville (0-0, 0-0 ASUN); Lamar (0-0, 0-0 Southland)
MATCH #2: Jacksonville at Clemson Tigers
DATE: Saturday, August 26 – 12:30 pm
SITE: Jervey Gym | Clemson University | Clemson, S.C.
2017 RECORDS: Jacksonville (0-0, 0-0 ASUN); Clemson (0-0, 0-0 ACC)
MATCH #3: Jacksonville vs. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
DATE: Saturday, August 26 – 4:00 pm
SITE: Jervey Gym | Clemson University | Clemson, S.C.
2017 RECORDS: Jacksonville (0-0, 0-0 ASUN); Bethune-Cookman (0-0, 0-0 MEAC)
*Clemson and Bethune-Cookman records prior to Aug. 25
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University volleyball is set to open the 2017 season this weekend as the Dolphins head to Clemson for the Big Orange Bash, where they will face Lamar, the host Tigers, and Bethune-Cookman, on Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26.
Jacksonville opens its 46th season in program history on Friday, Aug. 25 with a contest against Lamar at 4:00 p.m. The following day, the Dolphins square off with the host Tigers at 12:30 p.m., and will close out the tournament against Bethune-Cookman at 4:00 p.m.
With all but one player from last season returning and four new additions in 2017, the Dolphins' team chemistry will play a key role in their success.
Jacksonville was selected fifth in the 2017 ASUN Conference Preseason Volleyball Coaches' Poll, and senior defensive specialist Mackenzie Swan was voted the ASUN's Facebook Fan-Voted Defensive Player of the Year.
The Series with Lamar
Jacksonville and Lamar have met six times, with all of the matches falling in favor of the Cardinals. JU and Lamar have not met since 1996, when both teams were both members of the Sun Belt Conference, and Friday's match will mark the first time the duo will battle on a neutral court.
Scouting the Cardinals
The Cardinals finished last season 6-22 overall and 6-10 in the Southland Conference. However, Lamar barely missed out on making the league tournament under head coach Alan Edwards, now in his fourth year at the helm. Lamar was selected 10th in the 2017 Southland Conference Preseason Poll.
Several of Lamar's top statistical leaders from 2016 return to the court, as seniors Amy Hollowell and Haley Morton lead the Cardinals' offense. Hollowell finished last season fourth on the team in kills (160), digs (151), and blocks (51.0), while Morton led the Cardinals with 744 assists. Lamar's top three blockers also return in juniors Tomar Thomas (181 kills, 53.0 blocks) and Ivette Dim (142 kills, 71.0 blocks), along with sophomore Dannisha House (68.0).
The Series with Clemson
Jacksonville is 1-5 all-time against Clemson, with the last Dolphin victory coming in 2011. JU was able to outlast Clemson, 3-2, at the Gator Invitational in Gainesville.
Scouting the Tigers
The Tigers finished 6-26 overall and 1-19 in the ACC last season, and begin a new era under first-year head coach Michaela Franklin.
Clemson graduated its top attacker in Second Team-All ACC pick Leah Perri (418 kills), but the Tigers have 10 players returning to the 2017 roster, along with six newcomers. Senior Keely Hayes returns as the Tigers' setter (786 assists), while juniors Kailey Harvell (272 kills) and Megan McGinley (194 kills) return as the team's top attackers. McGinley led Clemson last season with 104 blocks (17 solo, 87 assisted), while sophomore Jaden Light was second on the team with 84 blocks (12 solo, 72 assisted). Clemson also returns sophomore Emily Curtis, who led the Tigers with 295 digs.
The Series with Bethune-Cookman
Saturday's matchup with Bethune-Cookman will be the 50th meeting between the teams, as the Dolphins hold a dominating 49-0 record all-time against the Tigers. JU last met with B-CU in October of last year, with Jacksonville coming away with a 3-1 victory in Daytona Beach.
Scouting the Wildcats
Bethune-Cookman capped the 2016 season in the semifinals of the MEAC Conference Tournament after posting a 7-3 record against MEAC opponents and a 10-21 overall record. Led by third-year head coach Brittany Williams, B-CU was selected to first in the South Division in the 2017 MEAC Preseason Poll.
Senior Rakaya Neely and sophomore Alana Handy were 2017 Preseason All-MEAC honorees after solid campaigns last season. A two-time All-MEAC selection, Neely was second on the team last season with 59.0 blocks (16 solo, 43 assisted) and third in kills (190). Handy, last season's MEAC Co-Rookie of the Year, led the team with 333 kills and was second with 291 digs. Also returning to the Wildcats in 2017 are seniors Alondra Bautista and Phalen Clark. Clark led the team with 605 assists and 15 service aces, while Bautista was third on the team in kills (217) and digs (249). Junior J'Nai Higgins also contributed last season, as she posted 419 assists and 13 service aces, both second-best for Bethune-Cookman.
Up Next
The Dolphins return to action next weekend, Sept. 1 and 2, when they fly out to Wyoming for the Cowgirls' UniWyo Invite. There, JU will face #25 Purdue, Wyoming, and Eastern Michigan.
