By Brian Farrell, QBSN Staff Writer

Quinnipiac women’s volleyball is finally home. After six weeks on the road and eleven away matches, the Bobcats will host their home opener tomorrow against NEC rival St. Francis (Pa.).

Quinnipiac picked up its first win of the season in thrilling fashion against Providence at the Bucknell Invitational on Sept. 14. Head Coach Kristopher Czaplinski credits the win to a game plan they have been working on since he came aboard last year.

“They played hard and it was our blocking and defense that won us that game. When our team is committed to blocking and defense it’s very hard to beat us.”

Sophomore outside-hitter-turned-setter Brittanie Robinson played one of her best games of the season against Providence when she recorded 37 assists, 13 digs, and four blocks. Last season, Robinson was one of the top hitters for the Bobcats, but after Kayla Lawlor graduated last season, someone needed to step into her spot.

“All [Robinson] needs right now is more reps,” Czaplinski said. “She’s had to learn on the fly and she is still going to make some errors here and there, but every game and every practice she is getting better and better.”

Robinson is proving to be a key component to a team that is desperate to make the right set and pass to their top hitters.

Leading the offense are senior Taylor Payne and sophomore Tanner Celestin. Both recorded double doubles against Providence and are in the top three on the team in total kills.

“Taylor and Tanner in our Providence game were unstoppable. They literally couldn’t get blocked,” Czaplinski said. “They are our go-to people on offense and once they get comfortable with the sets in the game, we are going to be unstoppable. No teams have any way to stop them unless our passing is off and therefore our setting will be off, but if we can get the sets there, then watch out.”

Adding offensive support is freshman Chandler Thornton. Thornton has appeared in all but three sets this season and is second on the team in kills with 44.

The Bobcats will need help from everyone as the Red Flash enter Saturday’s match in a first place tie in the NEC. St. Francis also ranks in the top four of nearly every major defensive statistical category including opponent hitting percentage, kills allowed, assists allowed, aces allowed, and blocks allowed.

Recent history is on QU’s side as the Bobcats have won the last three home matches against the Red Flash.

Mark Spillane and Shane Doyle will have the call right here on www.theqbsn.com.