FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Sept. 16) - The Northern Arizona volleyball team will head to Cedar City for a rematch against Southern Utah tomorrow on Sept. 17. The Lumberjacks have already played the Thunderbirds at the start of this season, where they secured a 3-1 win. Currently, NAU is 4-4 in its 2024 season.
The 'Jacks are coming off a 2-0 win at their home tournament, the Lumberjack Classic this week where they played against the University of New Mexico and Tarleton State. Libero Millie O'Ketter was named as defensive Big Sky Player of the Week after she completed an average of 6.5 digs per set and a combined .925 percentage on serving for the tournament.
To open the season, Northern Arizona took a 3-1 (25-11, 25-17, 17-25, 25-13) victory over the Thunderbirds to begin the 2024 campaign. The rematch against SUU will start at 5:30 p.m. Mountain Standard time.
From the first meeting, NAU would possess a .326 hitting percentage versus SUU .143 percent. The Lumberjacks had six aces in total against two from the Thunderbirds and 13 blocks compared to their opponent's nine. Taylor Jacobsen led the kills count with 17 kills, scoring a .385 pct and 11 digs. Hanah Stoddard closely followed with 15 kills, at a .256 pct, and 12 digs in total, both accomplishing a double-double. Avery Gottschalk achieved nine blocks, while Suvarioglu led the team in assists with 27. O'Ketter led the 'Jacks in digs with 16.
Southern Utah is also currently 4-4 on its season. They lost their first three games, won their next three games and then recently split a pair on their trip to Santa Clara. Northern Arizona is up 30-5 in the all-time series against former Big Sky foes, with a 17-win streak.
The match will be available to stream live on ESPN+ along with live stats.
The Lumberjacks will go on to play a match against Utah Tech two days later on Sept. 19 in St. George, Utah. The Trailblazers will then return the favor and play in Flagstaff two days after that on Sept. 21. This will be the last match up before the start of Big Sky Conference play.
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