The Robert Morris University volleyball team (7-12, 1-4 NEC) travels to the A.J. Palumbo Center in downtown Pittsburgh to take on the Duquesne Dukes (7-11, 2-4 Atlantic 10) in a Steel City Showdown. The Colonials lost their last game, a homecoming match against the LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds (9-6, 6-0 NEC) by the score of 3-1. In Duquesne’s last matchup, they won 3-1 against the Saint Louis University Billikens (2-16, 1-5 Atlantic 10).

Recapping RMU:

The Colonials are coming into this contest having won only one out of their last six matches. The Colonials last won on Friday, Oct. 5, in a whiteout game at home against St. Francis Brooklyn (5-14, 1-5 NEC). The Colonials won that game 3-1. Emma Granger led with four service aces, and Whitney Brown had 43 assists for the Colonials. In their last game, a 3-1 loss to LIU Brooklyn, Emma Granger had 15 kills, two service aces, and three blocks.

Scouting Duquesne University:

The Dukes have also been on a bit of a down stretch as of late. Although they won their last game, 3-1 against Saint Louis University, they have lost four out of their last six. In their last game, the Dukes were led by Coloradan junior, Liz Wayne, who had 11 kills and six blocks. The Dukes have had only three games go all five sets this year, half as many as the Colonials’ six.

Players to watch:

For the Colonials, sophomore Alyson Londot is currently second on the team with 173 kills and had 11 kills in the Colonials last game against LIU Brooklyn. A Colonial who could be a surprise going into the coming weeks is Alyssa Hudak. A freshman from Medina, Ohio; Hudak has shown promise, with 69 kills in only 45 sets played. Hudak is also averaging 0.42 blocks per set, the fourth highest on the team.

For Duquesne, Camryn Vecera currently is second in the Atlantic 10 in both digs, with 341, and digs per set, with 5.17. The senior libero has also added 48 assists for the Dukes. Dani Suiter is also one to look out for on the Duke’s side of the court, as she is averaging 0.39 service aces per set, and 9.18 assists per set, both stats lead her team and are top-five in the conference.

Prediction:

The Colonials will play a hard-fought match, but in the end, the Dukes are too much for Robert Morris. Duquesne wins in five sets, 3-2.