Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Look To Regroup at Home Facing Ohio State, Michigan
9/30/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 30, 2008
NU Volleyball Weekly Release - Sept. 30 
Opening Serve
Northwestern looks to regroup from a tough Big Ten road trip by opening a three-match home stand at Welsh-Ryan Arena this weekend. The `Cats meet up with Ohio State on Friday, Oct. 3, and then host 22nd-ranked Michigan Saturday, Oct. 4. Both matches begin at 7 p.m.
Wildcats on the Web
Fans unable to make it to Evanston for this weekend's matches against the Buckeyes and Wolverines will still be able to keep up with their `Cats. Live streaming of both matches will be available by clicking on the schedule link on the volleyball page at NUSports.com, with Gametracker live stats also available for both matches.
Scouting Ohio State
Ohio State comes into Evanston at 9-5 on the season and 0-2 in Big Ten play after falling at home to Michigan State 3-0 on Wednesday and then dropping a 3-1 decision at Michigan on Friday. The Buckeyes have made their presence known at the net, as they rank third in the Big Ten in blocks per set (.278) and are fifth in hitting percentage (.249). OSU has a pair of players who have reached the 100-kill plateau, led by 154 from junior Kristen Dozier and complimented by sophomore Kaila Calhoun's 106. Dozier is also the Buckeyes' leader in blocks with 47 (including 10 solo blocks) with sophomore Allie Schwarzwalder adding 33 of her own. Ohio State has relied on its one-two setter combination of junior Ashley Hughes and sophomore Betsy Hone, who are averaging 8.03 and 6.94 assists per set respectively. In the backcourt, Calhoun leads the team in digs per set at 3.36, with junior libero Chelsea Noble adding 2.62 digs per set. Head coach Geoff Carlston is in his first season at the helm of the Buckeyes, and has compiled an overall record of 202-69 (.745) in his eight seasons as a head coach.
Scouting Michigan
The Wolverines have been one of the hottest teams in the country through the first month of the season, entering the weekend ranked 22nd in the nation with a 13-1 record and are 1-1 in Big Ten play. Michigan opened up the conference season with a three game sweep of Ohio State Wednesday before falling in four sets at Michigan State Saturday. The Wolverines are led by senior Beth Karpiak's 148 kills on the year, whose .429 hitting percentage is second in the Big Ten and eighth in the nation. Three other Wolverines have recorded triple-digit kill totals, including 143 from junior Juliana Paz, as Michigan's 14.53 kills per set ranks eighth nationally. Karpiak also leads the Wolverines in blocks with 40 (including eight solo blocks), with redshirt freshman Karlee Bruck right behind with 33. Sophomore setter Lexi Zimmerman has dished out 529 assists, averaging 11.26 per set which ranks second in the Big Ten and 12th nationally. Four players have recorded triple-digit dig totals for Michigan, led by senior Kerry Hance's 3.28 digs per set. Head coach Mark Rosen ninth season in Ann Arbor with a record of 176-124 (.587) and has posted an overall record of 385-161 (.705) in his 16 seasons as a head coach.
Series Information
Northwestern enters the weekend with a 14-44 series record against Ohio State after sweeping the season series against the Buckeyes in 2007. NU recorded a 3-2 victory over then 23rd-ranked OSU at St. John Arena, and followed it up with a 3-1 victory at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The `Cats have won their last two meetings against the Buckeyes in Evanston and are 5-5 in their last 10 meetings with Ohio State. NU is 24-30 all-time against Michigan, splitting the season series last year. The Wildcats fell in three sets to the Wolverines in Ann Arbor before upsetting 20th-ranked Michigan in five sets at Welsh-Ryan Arena. NU has won the last three matches against the Wolverines in Evanston, and has taken four of the last six matches between the two schools.
Nobilio Moves Into Fourth on All-Time Digs List
Junior Kate Nobilio continues to establish herself among the all-time greats, as her 34 digs over the weekend bumped her career total to 1,367, moving her past Jessica Holloway's 1,335 into fourth place all-time. She now trails Jennifer Jostes by just 42 digs for third place, and is 291 digs behind Christie Gardner's school record of 1,658.
Wildcat Fans Score Big This Weekend
Northwestern volleyball fans have a chance to win big while supporting their team this weekend. Friday night's match against Ohio State is U.S. Cellular Night, and one lucky fan will walk away with a free pre-paid Motorazr phone, courtesy of U.S. Cellular. Also, all NU students can exchange old shirts of other colleges for a limited edition Northwestern Wildcat shirt as part of the U.S. Cellular T-Shirt Swap. It is also Friday Night Bingo at Welsh-Ryan Arena, as fans will receive free bingo cards as they enter the match. Numbers will be called throughout the evening, and the first fan to make an "N" on their card will receive a $50 gift certificate. Saturday's match against the Wolverines is a Wildcat Kids Club Night, where all members will receive free admission with their membership card. In addition to cheering on the `Cats, fans will also be treated to a night of Mascot Volleyball, where Willie and a handful of other area mascots will be on hand for fun and games including autographs and photos. For more information, email wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu.
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