The Tiffin University volleyball team will look to stay hot this weekend, having won four of their last five matches. To do so, Tiffin will encounter the two top teams in the GLIAC South in the form of Grand Valley State and Wayne State on Friday and Saturday respectively.
Tiffin University vs. Grand Valley State University
Series Record: The Lakers have never lost to the Dragons, dropping Tiffin 10 straight times.
Last Matchup: Grand Valley State made quick work of Tiffin, holding the Dragons to only 30 kills in a straight set win for GVSU. As a team, Tiffin hit at a slim .142 clip while surrendering a stout .346 hitting percentage to Grand Valley State. The Lakers held a significant advantage at the service line, holding a 7-1 lead in service aces.
Tiffin: The Dragons have won four of their last five games, with three of the four wins being non-conference victories. The Dragons most recently defeated Central State 3-0 and Urbana University 3-1 on Tuesday night. The Dragons are tied with the Ashland Eagles for 3rd in the GLIAC South and tied for 6th overall.
Gotta Love The Gillmor: The Dragons haven't had a ton of home games this year with only four thus far. Tiffin has won three of those four home games with the lone loss coming to #17 Ferris State University.
Terrified Of The Road: Of Grand Valley State's 12 wins, half have been home victories. When the Lakers have had to pound the pavement and play in the opposition's gym they're 1-4.
Aces Are The Dragons' Best Friend: The Dragons are leading the GLIAC in service aces (129) and are 2nd in service aces per set (1.40). Emily Weithman leads Tiffin in service aces this year with 35, one shy of leading the GLIAC.
Players To Watch:
Staci Brower: Leading the Lakers in kills with 239, Brower is averaging 2.88 kills per set and has a team high 70 blocks.
Katie Olson: The setter for the Lakers has 726 assists this year, 5th most in the GLIAC.
Tiffin University vs. Wayne State University
Series Record: The Warriors hold a 10-3 series lead over Tiffin.
Last Matchup: The Warriors blew by Tiffin in a little over an hour, dropping the Dragons 25-17, 25-11, 25-16. Tiffin managed only 22 kills while surrendering 47 to Wayne State.
Midpoint Mediocrity: The Warriors win over Tiffin on September 15, was the first of five straight for Wayne State. After that nice stretch of victories, the Warriors have since hit the skids, sitting 5-5 over their last 10. Wayne State is trying to correct their slump, having won two GLIAC games last weekend.
Cramped At The Top: The Warriors are 8-3 in the GLIAC, tied for 2nd with Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech. Wayne State was beaten by both the Wildcats and Huskies, with both games being home losses for the Warriors.
Killin' It: The Dragons attack is hitting at a .201 clip with a GLIAC leading 1,129 kills in a league high 92 sets. The Dragons have compiled 40 or more kills in 17 of their 25 matches. In their five set match against Northwood, Tiffin collected 69 kills, the 5th highest single match total in Tiffin history.
Players To Watch:
Hailey Richardson: Leading the Warriors with 271 kills Richardson is 3rd in the GLIAC in the category and is 6th in kills per set. Richardson compiled a dozen kills her last time out against Tiffin.
Michelle Asiedu: Leading the Warriors with a .351 hitting percentage, Asiedu is 3rd in the GLIAC and 37th in the nation in hitting percentage.