Game Notes | Radford Stream | Ohio Stream
BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech volleyball team returns to the friendly confines of Virginia Tech Carillion Court this week where the Hokies will face crosstown foe Radford at 3 p.m. and Ohio at 8 p.m. on Friday. Both matches will be streamed live on WatchESPN via HokieVision LIVE.
Tech is 3-0 at Cassell Coliseum this season and is 110-39 (.738) all-time under head coach Chris Riley.
The Hokies come off a tough road trip against strong competition at the Lipscomb Invitational last weekend. Junior middle blocker Cara Cunningham was named to the all-tournament team after leading all players in the field with 21 total blocks. She posted a career-best 11 rejections against Ole Miss and also hit .364 with six blocks against Northwestern.
After starting the season 3-0, the Hokies have hit a rough patch after sustaining injuries to some key players, including starting setter Rhegan Mitchell. Filling in for Mitchell at setter will be a rotation of junior Mandy Powers, a transfer from UNC Asheville, and freshman Gaby Senties. Sophomores Kelly Esch and Briana Lanktree and junior Alex Toben will also see extended playing time off the bench due to the recent rash of injuries.
Scouting the Field
• Radford has jumped out to hot start in 2016 that has included a 3-2 win over Wake Forest. Haley Kleespies sets 10.66 assists per set and has 18 aces to lead the Highlanders in both categories.
• Ohio, the defending MAC champions, is led by Katie Nelson, who’s hitting .310 with 22 total blocks. This season, the Bobcats did not return an All-MAC honoree to their roster for the first time 2002.
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