Eagles look to continue dominant play against Furman

Navigate Left
Navigate Right
  • File Photo by: Drew Heimlich

Robert Huitt

Riding a nine-match winning streak, the Georgia Southern University volleyball team will host the Furman University Paladins at Hanner Fieldhouse at 6 p.m. Friday.

Dating all the way back to last season, GSU has won 28 of its last 31 games, going 15-1 in Hanner during that span.

Since entering Southern Conference play, the Eagles have maintained their high level of play.

The Eagles remain atop the SoCon standings and improved to 3-0 against conference opponents after defeating The Citadel Bulldogs (4-14) in straight sets on Tuesday.

The Paladins have won five of their past six matches to improve to 6-7 on the season and are currently third in the SoCon with an unblemished conference record of 2-0.

In their last game, the Paladins toppled Samford University 3-1 and were powered by junior outside hitter Andrea Fisher who recorded 13 kills. Senior middle blocker Christina Dorismond added 11 kills.

Dorismond enters the matchup against the Eagles, leading the Paladins with 141 kills and averages 2.88 kills per set.

Dorismond will have to contend with a defense by the Eagles that is anchored by sophomore defensive specialist Alexandra Beecher and sophomore middle Crysten Curry.

Beecher averages 4.36 digs per set and Curry has been a force at the net with 1.33 blocks per set.

The Paladins will have their hands full with junior outside hitter Jamie DeRatt who has recorded 208 kills for GSU. DeRatt’s recent play has contributed to her earning the SoCon Player of the Week for the second time this season.

DeRatt will have an opportunity to take advantage of Furman’s defense that ranks seventh and ninth in blocks and opponent hitting percentage, respectively.

Senior outside hitter Nicole Jeschelnik and sophomore right side Katie Bange have been reliable offensive threats as well, ranking second and third on the team in kills.

Fans are encouraged to wear blue to the match as part of a “True Blue Out.”