Friar Volleyball Returns Home To Face Central Connecticut State

Providence to play three of its next four matches at Mullaney Gymnasium.

Oct. 12, 2010

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Providence College volleyball team (9-14, 1-3 America East) will return to the friendly confines of Mullaney Gymnasium on Wednesday, October 13, when they play host to Central Connecticut State (4-12, 2-3 Northeast). It marks the beginning of a stretch that will see the Friars play three-of-four matches at home, where they are 6-2 on the season.

Providence will be led into the match by junior Lauren Fletcher (Syracuse, N.Y.), who is second in America East in kills (3.69 per set), hitting percentage (.346) and blocks (1.10 per set). The Fletcher-led attack is set-up by classmate Carly Morrison (Larkspur, Calif.), who is averaging 7.60 assists per set.

The Friar defense is led by sophomore libero Cassie Muzzonigro (Gibsonia, Pa.), who is third in the league with 3.87 digs per set. Also anchoring the back row is senior co-captain Emily Morris (Hermosa Beach, Calif.), who is ninth in the conference with 2.93 digs per set.

Providence continues to lead the league in opponent hitting percentage, with the opposition hitting only .183 against the Friars. The squad also is second the conference in service aces per set (1.61), with Morrison (0.39), Morris (0.31) and Fletcher (0.31) all ranking in the top-10, individually.

Central Connecticut State (4-12, 2-3 Northeast) The Blue Devils enter the match coming off a sweep of St. Francis (N.Y.) in Northeast Conference Play. Prior to the match with the Terriers, Central Connecticut had lost three-straight matches.

The Blue Devils are led by sophomore Emily Cochran, who is averaging 3.00 kills per set. Classmates Blaike King and Jamie Rademacher are also both averaging better than 2.00 kills per set at 2.67 and 2.02, respectively. The attack is started by senior setter Amanda Bayer, who is averaging 8.91 assists per set. The defense is led by senior libero Kaitlin Petrella, who is averaging 5.00 digs per game. Cochran (2.86 digs per set), King (2.40) and Bayer (2.45) all contribute in the back row as well.

Providence and Central Connecticut have had six common opponents on the season. Both fell to Iona and Brown. The Friars defeated Rhode Island, Holy Cross, Fairleigh Dickinson and Hartford, while the Blue Devils fell to all four teams. Both teams defeated St. Francis (N.Y.). Providence is 3-0 against teams from the Northeast Conference, while Central Connecticut has not played an America East squad this season.

On-Deck The Friars return to the court this Sunday, October 17, when they play host to UMBC in America East play. The match is set for 1:30 p.m.

-GO FRIARS-