After defeating the University of Utah on its home court 3-2 last Thursday, followed by a 3-1 loss to the No. 24 University of Colorado, Boulder, the University of Arizona volleyball team (8-6, 2-2 in Big 12) remain in Tucson this week to face No. 16 Baylor University on Friday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m. in McKale Center.
History vs. Baylor
The Wildcats and the Bears have faced each other only twice in the history of both women’s volleyball programs. Their first matchup came in 2000, when the Wildcats earned a 3-0 sweep. The most recent meeting took place during the 2024 season in Waco, Texas, where Arizona fell short in a 3-1 loss to the Bears. This time, the two teams will meet on the Wildcats’ home court in McKale Center where the home-court advantage could help shift the outcome in Arizona’s favor.
Baylor this season
BU currently holds a 9-5 record this season, with its most recent match being a 3-0 loss to ASU. Key players to watch on the Bears’ roster include graduate middle blocker Manuela Bibinbe, who leads the team in kills with 154 so far this season. Redshirt sophomore setter Harley Kreck from Emory, Texas, has been a major contributor to the team’s offense, leading in both assists and service aces. Kreck currently sits at 384 assists, well ahead of the next player, Bri Denney, who has 146. On defense, freshman Morgan Madison from Magnolia, Texas, leads the team in digs with 196, playing a crucial role in the team’s overall success on both ends of the court.
Baylor’s team statistics this season give them the edge over its opponents in categories such as kills, errors, attempts and hitting percentage. The Bears have a strong offense with powerful hitters, which contributes to their high kill count. However, the team has also struggled with a relatively high error rate and that’s where the Wildcats could capitalize. If Arizona can force Baylor into making mistakes and stay consistent on defense, they may be able to use those errors to gain momentum and take control of the match.
Arizona this season
The Wildcats, currently 8-6, 2-2 in Big 12 in the season, have experienced some ups and downs over the past few weeks of play. In their last match against Utah in McKale Center, Arizona secured a hard-fought victory in a five-set battle (23-25, 25-12, 17-25, 26-24, 15-13). However, Arizona fell to a 3–1 loss to No. 16 University of Colorado, Boulder, at home just a few days later. The Wildcats’ standout players once again made a major impact.
Against Utah, senior outside hitter Jordan Wilson led the way with 17 kills, while sophomore outside hitter Carlie Cisneros and sophomore middle blocker Adrianna Bridges also reached double digits, combining for 21 additional kills between them.
The Wildcats’ attack and set statistics this season have been fairly even with those of their opponents. To come out strong against Baylor, they’ll need to focus on strengthening their offense and reducing unforced errors.
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