The Quinnipiac Bobcats (5-19 overall, 5-7 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) will look to stop their losing streak at five, as they square off against the Manhattan Jaspers (1-22 overall, 1-9 MAAC). Quinnipiac currently sits at seventh in the MAAC standings, one seed out of a playoff spot. Manhattan sits far out of the playoff picture, but will look to spoil the Bobcats chance of making the MAAC tournament.
Players to Watch
Quinnipiac – Morgan Sherwin (Freshman Right Side Hitter)
Ever since the injuries to co-captains Elizabeth Kloos and Jen Coffey, the Bobcats have been in need for some of the underclassmen to step up and perform. Sherwin has been one of them, as in her last four games, she has registered at least eight kills in all of them. She is second on the team in sets played, only trailing setter Maria Pansari. She has had to fill a big role on the team, but has stood up to the task. Expect Sherwin to be one of the prime targets for Pansari against Manhattan.
Manhattan – Sandra Lozanova (Senior Outside Hitter)
The Bulgarian is the team leader in kills (146), points per set (2.81), service aces per set (0.33) and kills per set (2.43). She has been one of the few high points in a so far subpar season for Manhattan. She is ranked 10th in service aces per set in all of the MAAC conference. If Manhattan wants to get the win, they will need Lozanova to lead her team.
Keys to the Game
Quinnipiac – Be Aggressive
When the Bobcats push the envelope and be the more aggressive team on the court, they find success. However, when they are passive and sit back and play more defensively, that is when their opponents have gone on runs and taken advantage of their opportunities. Manhattan is a team that is not as strong as Quinnipiac, but with the injuries to Kloos and Coffey, it has been a struggle for the Bobcats to find wins. They will need to come out and play strong and get this win.
Manhattan – Embrace Being the Underdogs
Having only won a single game all year, this should be a win for Quinnipiac. However, this Bobcat team has already lost to Siena 3-0, a team that had only won two games prior to their match against Quinnipiac. The Bobcat team is an animal that’s been severely wounded by injuries and Manhattan, although is not favored to win, can take advantage of some missing key players and come out of this game with a victory.
The Game
Be sure to tune into the broadcast of the game between Quinnipiac and Manhattan from the Burt Kahn Court at 1 p.m. Sunday. On the call will be Michael Dalton and Bryan Murphy. To receive updates on the game, follow @QBSN on Twitter, along with @MikeJDalton5 and @bryan_murphy10.
Link to the game: http://quinnipiacbobcats.com/watch/?Live=450&type=Live
