The Quinnipiac Bobcats (7-19 overall, 6-7 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) will take on the Fairfield Stags (16-6 overall, 11-0 MAAC) in a MAAC Championship rematch Friday night at 7 p.m. in Hamden. The Bobcats are coming off a strong win against Manhattan this past Sunday, winning the match 3-1. Quinnipiac fell to Fairfield in straight sets during their last matchup. The Stags are looking for their 13th consecutive win this season, while the Bobcats are looking for their first win against the defending champions.
Players to Watch
Quinnipiac – Morgan Sherwin
The sophomore set a career high in kills (16) and blocks (seven) against Manhattan this past Sunday, making her the player to watch for this matchup. During the Bobcats’ last meeting with Fairfield, Morgan Sherwin racked up 11 kills and four digs. Her ability to find the holes in the opposition’s defense is going to be a huge importance for the bobcats. She can be an offensive machine which is going to be very important during this match and she has grown tremendously since the start of the season. Hopefully the freshman can carry that confidence into Burt Kahn tonight and help Quinnipiac get the win.
Fairfield – Skyler Day
The senior outside hitter is without a doubt the player to watch for this match. She currently leads the MAAC with 3.76 kills per set. Against the matchup with Niagara, Skyler Day racked up season highs in digs (23), kills (30), assists (2) and points (32). She is coming into tonight’s match with 1188 kills on her career. The Illinois native is an offensive machine and will be a huge threat to Quinnipiac’s defense.
Keys to the Game
Quinnipiac – Defense Defense Defense
The Bobcats have to be light on their feet if they want to defeat the Stags offense. Fairfield currently leads the MAAC in kills (12.96 per set) and assists (12.38 per set), and ranks second in hitting percentage (.188) and blocks (1.93 per set). The defense has to be ready for anything, whether it’s a strong hit down the line or a short ball coming off a block. Sophomore libero Alejandra Rodriquez has her work cut out for her during this matchup against the defending champs.
Fairfield – Take advantage of the injuries
The Bobcats have been without three of their top starters for the past month. Elizabeth Kloos and Jen Coffey are battling injuries while Kat Miller just recently returned to the rotation. Fairfield’s veteran presence is going to be tough against Quinnipiac’s underclassmen. However, if the Stags give Quinnipiac anything, they can be lethal. Pressure is going to play a big role in this match.
The Game
Tune into QBSN’s live broadcast of Quinnipiac vs. Fairfield from Burt Kahn Court at 7 p.m on Friday. John Franklin and Liz Flynn are on the call. For game updates, follow @QBSN on Twitter as well as the broadcasters @HeyItsFranklin6, @LizFlynn11_ and @robynnicoleee.
Link to the game: http://quinnipiacbobcats.com/watch/?Live=454
