ADA – The East Central University volleyball team is headed to the final of three-straight tournaments that open the 2016 season, as they will participate in the GAC/MIAA Crossover Tournament, Sept. 16-17.
The Tigers will first travel to Shawnee, Okla., Friday, Sept. 16 to face No. 14 Washburn (10 a.m.) and Emporia State (4 p.m.) at Oklahoma Baptist. ECU will they move on to Edmond, Okla., to battle host No. 7 UCO (11 a.m.) and Pittsburg State (3 p.m.).
The Tigers played strong competition in their last tournament, falling in all four matches to move to 2-6. Junior
Madeline Mayer continues to lead ECU on the offensive side, with a .204 (50k-20e-147ta) hitting percentage, eight service aces and 18 (3-15) blocks. Junior
Lily Porsa is the lead on defense with 91 digs, while junior
Taylor Turner has settled in for the lead setter role, with 144 assists.
Washburn is 6-2 in their first two weeks of action and is leading in almost all areas on the season box score. The Ichabods have a .227 team hitting percentage for the season and are allowing just a .143 mark by the opposition. Sarah Vicroy is the most consistent player for Washburn with a .401 (76k-11e-162ta) hitting percentage and 23 (4-19) blocks.
Emporia State is 5-3 after going 4-0 last weekend. The Hornets have a .194 team hitting percentage, but allow just a .171 mark, while leading 2.3 to 1.3 in blocks per set. Shayla Cotman leads ESU with a .344 (55k-9e-132ta) hitting percentage and 31 (3-28) blocks.
The Bronchos has compiled a 9-0 record for the season. UCO is hitting .271 for the year and holding the opposition to a .090 mark, while out-blocking their opponents 2.1 to 1.1 Jordan Spence is the teams leader, with a .348 (55k-9e-132ta) attack percentage, seven service aces, 26 digs and 20 (3-17) blocks.
Pittsburg State has struggled at the start of the 2016 season, going 0-8 in the opening two weekends of play. The Gorillas are hitting .146 and allowing a .227 mark. Payton Walker is the most consistent player for Pitt State, with a .208 (81k-33e-231ta) hitting percentage, 21 digs and 11 (3-8) blocks.
