Oct. 18, 2012
WASHINGTON - The Georgetown University volleyball team (6-14, 0-7 BIG EAST) takes to the court for a pair of BIG EAST conference matchups this weekend at McDonough Arena. The Hoyas face Notre Dame (13-6, 6-1) Friday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. on their annual American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Dig Pink night, which benefits breast cancer. Sunday, Oct. 21 DePaul (6-14, 1-6) comes to town to play the Hoyas at 2 p.m.
Georgetown returns to Washington after a road trip where they went 0-2 against conference foes Pittsburgh and USF.
Against Pittsburgh, GU nabbed their first opening set win since a Sept. 14 match at College of Charleston, but would lose the match 3-1. Sophomore Dani White (Mission Viejo, Calif./Mission Viejo) led all players with 12 digs.
In the USF match, the Hoyas were able to force a decisive fifth set--also a first since the C of C match--but eventually fell 3-2 to the Bulls. Senior Lindsay Wise (Raleigh, N.C./Raleigh Charter) had 10 kills on .333 hitting.
Fans are encouraged to show support by wearing pink Friday and cheering on the Hoyas as they look to snap their losing streak.
"It's all about education and awareness, as well as raising money for the Side Out foundation to benefit breast cancer," says Georgetown Head Coach Arlisa Williams.
Donations will be accepted, and all proceeds from the game benefit the Side-Out Foundation, which in turn awards grants to medical research organizations and entities dedicated to providing compassionate support to breast cancer patients and their families.
Notre Dame enters the weekend having won their last four matches, including a sweep at DePaul Friday. Sophomores Jeni Houser and Toni Alugbue led the Fighting Irish with 13 kills apiece. The Hoyas have lost 13 straight against the Irish and have not won a set since 2001. GU's last win over Notre Dame was a 3-0 sweep in the 1999 BIG EAST Championship match to win the title.
DePaul is currently on a four-game skid. Callie Huebener's three solo blocks helped the Blue Demons out-block Notre Dame 10-7 in Friday's loss. Junior Natalie Rizzo was errorless on the night, recording six kills with a .375 hitting percentage. Their lone BIG EAST win was a 3-1 victory over Syracuse. Georgetown narrowly lost last season's meeting with DePaul in five sets.
The Blue & Gray remain at home for two more conference opponents next weekend. GU is slated to face Marquette Friday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m. and Syracuse Sunday, Oct. 28 at noon.
