University of Connecticut Athletics

Huskies Set for Home Opener at UConn Invitational
8/31/2023 3:23:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
STORRS, Conn. - The University of Connecticut women's volleyball team is set for their first home opener as they compete in a three-match invitational this weekend at the new volleyball center at Freitas facing Hofstra, Lehigh, and Merrimack.Â
Last time out, UConn took on the Classic City Clash facing Georgia, Western Carolina, and Florida State. UConn fell to Georgia and Florida State in three sets but battled last Saturday in five sets against Western Carolina to take its first win of 2023 in the opening weekend.Â
Entering the matchups this coming weekend, the Huskies are 1-2 in the new season. Leading the way last weekend was outside hitter and graduate student Cera Powell. On the offensive side, Powell finished last weekend with the team high kill total with 32 kills along with a team high in points with 34. Defensively, Powell also posted 13 digs. In addition, junior Doga Kutlu contributed well offensively and defensively with the team high assist total with 55 assists and second most digs with 31.Â
Scouting HofstraÂ
Entering the matchup, the Pride are 4-0 in the 2023 season. Last time out, the Pride won in three sets against Iona last Tuesday. Leading the way for the Pride is Clara Bal as Bal has a team high in kills with 50. Bal also has 53.5 points, 17 digs, and seven blocks.Â
Scouting LehighÂ
Entering the matchup, the Mountain Hawks are 2-1 in the 2023 season. Last time out, the Mountain Hawks fell to Temple in three sets last Sunday for the last match at the Cherry & White Challenge. Leading the way for the Mountain Hawks are Megan Shulte and Makena Smith as Shulte has a team high in kills and points with 30 kills and 36 points and Smith holds the team high assist total with 71 assists along with 26 digs.Â
Scouting MerrimackÂ
Entering the matchup, the Warriors are 1-2 to start out the season, respectively. Last time out, Merrimack fell in three sets to Duquesne to close out the opening weekend of 2023 at the Bearcat Classic. Juiz Carlat for Merrimack leads the way in kills with 39 kills. Last match, Carlat had the second-most in kills with 11.Â
The Huskies head into the three-match home tournament with a 7 p.m. start against Hofstra on Friday. UConn will then go on to Saturday with a start time of 1:30 p.m. against Lehigh and a 7 p.m. start against Merrimack. All UConn games can be streamed live on UConn+.Â