Wildcat volleyball to begin conference play vs. Southland favorites

Women's Volleyball | 9/24/2014 10:40:00 AM

Live Stats vs. Central Arkansas | Live Video vs. Central Arkansas

ABILENE, Texas - Abilene Christian volleyball returns home to Moody Coliseum for the first time in more than three weeks Thursday when the Wildcats play host to the two-time defending Southland Conference Champions from Central Arkansas at 7 p.m.

Live stats and video are available for the match, which will be broadcast by Grant Boone and former ACU head coach Brek Horn. There also will be free hot dogs served by members of the Wildcat Reign on the south side of Moody Coliseum from 6:30 to 6:55 p.m.

The Sugar Bears claimed their second consecutive regular-season title last year and fourth in the past five years, going 29-4 overall and 18-0 within conference play. This fall, however, they are off to a 6-7 start against some very tough competition from Oregon, Ohio State and Florida State.

UCA has rebounded as of late, winning five of its last seven, which includes its conference opener vs. New Orleans (W, 3-1) on Sept. 19 and a 3-0 victory Tuesday vs. Alabama A&M University.

Despite their record, the Sugar Bears are No. 1 in the Southland in hitting percentage (.208) and claim two of the league's top offensive threats in Alicia Dittrich (81 K, .314) and Heather Schnars (161 K, .248). Their junior setter Amy South also is ranked first in the conference with 10.22 assists per set.

Junior outside hitter Jennie Loerch, who has made several all-tournament teams this fall including last week's at the Lone Star Showdown is ranked third in the conference with 3.65 kills per set. Additionally, junior setter Sarah Siemens is 10th in assists with 7.29 per set and junior libero Madison Hoover is eighth in digs with 3.97 per set.

Loerch helped lead her team to a 1-2 record at the showdown, which was hosted by Texas Tech. The Wildcats lost 3-0 in their first two matches to the Red Raiders and Air Force before holding on to beat Weber State in three sets, 25-22, 29-27 and 27-25.

Through nine sets in Lubbock, Loerch averaged 4.22 kills per set, dug out 18 attacks and had a block assist to finish with a team-high 39.5 points.

ACU averaged 2.06 blocks per set last weekend and currently ranks fourth in the Southland Conference with 1.78 behind Northwestern State (2.42), Houston Baptist (2.28) and Stephen F. Austin (2.15).