After an upsetting weekend, the Saint Louis University women’s volleyball team will look to rebound with this weekend’s Conference USA matches.
The Billikens (6-8, 1-3 C-USA) returned home Friday night after three weekends on the road only to fall to defensive giant South Florida 3-1 (7-15, 15-12, 10-15, 5-15). The Bills struggled throughout the entire match to overcome the USF defense.
“They (USF) were the best defensive team we’ve faced since Sacramento State,” said Coach Marilyn Nolen. “Absolute kills just kept popping back up.”
According to Nolen, the team is still continuing to struggle with the level of competition offered this season, which far exceeds that of past seasons.
“We’re still seeking experience, confidence and leadership,” said Nolen. “We need to step up and go for it like we did with Cincinnati and Louisville.”
The Billikens found some leadership last weekend in Colleen Hunter, who lead the Billikens in kills. Hunter had a massive 20 kills Friday against South Florida and continued her 20-plus kill streak Monday night against Houston with 23 kills.
Also forceful offensively and looking to be a continuing factor for the Billikens was Ember Knobeloch. Knobeloch contributed 11 kills, three blocks and one dig against USF.
Monday night, Knobeloch’s three kills put her over 100 kill mark for the season.
Against Houston Monday night, the Billikens lost in three straight games 11-15, 10-15, 10-15. The Bills changed players many times throughout the match to try to bring some energy onto the court.
The Bills were sparked throughout the weekend by strong showings from Alyson Merchant, Missy Werges, Brooke Minniear, Dani Apted and walk-on Julie Malm.
Freshman Shannan Swiney saw time setting and contributed greatly to the Billikens when Beth Martin came out in the third set.
Lone senior and captain Jessica Moss posted 12 digs and four kills against USF. Moss contributed eight kills and seven digs against Houston before coming out in the third set because of foot pain that kept her sidelined at practice Tuesday.
“We’re hoping Jess’ foot stabilizes,” said Nolen. “Having her out impacts our stability.”
While training zealously, the youthful Billiken squad is looking to overcome the disappointing weekend.
“We’ve got to put our feet to the fire,” said Nolen. “This is our chance. We need to make our feet move, we need to win. We need to win as much as possible.”
The Billikens are looking to this weekend to begin an upward swing in their roller coaster season of ups and downs.
Friday night, the Bills will host C-USA rival DePaul (12-5, 3-2 C-USA).
Last year, the Billikens had a great match in Chicago against the Blue Demons, but lost in five extremely close sets.
“DePaul will be very aggressive,” said Nolen.
“They moved up a lot in conference standings last year, and they’ll be wanting to get a match off of us at home.”
Awaiting the Billikens Sunday will be the Marquette Golden Eagles (4-12, 3-2 C-USA).
“Marquette is a sleeping giant,” said Nolen. “They don’t have the greatest record, and they’re very youthful.
“We’re definitely looking forward to this weekend.
“The rivalry with Marquette is always high, and we’ve consistently finished ahead,” said Nolen.
