A ROUGH START:
The Urban Knights have dropped two of their first four conference matches. Prior to the start of conference, the Urban Knights had dropped only two matches in 12 games. Despite AAU's rocky Pacific West Conference debut, Dan Yang has managed to be nominated to the Pacific West Conference top 10-honor roll each week. Yang amassed 35.5 points on 32 kills, three block assists, a block solo and a service ace. Yang is ranked third in points per game for the week (5.07) and is also ranked third in kills per game (4.57).This week Jelena Jakovljevic was also voted to the top 10 for the third week in a row. She helped the Urban Knights to a 1-1 week by averaging 4.57 digs per game...totaled 32 in seven games and two matches...ranked second in the league in assist average for the week. She totaled 28.5 points on 22 kills, five aces, a block solo and a block assist.
UP NEXT:
AAU will battle both Chaminade University and Hawaii Pacific University twice in one week. Hawaii Pacific is currently ranked third and Chaminade is ranked ninth in the league respectfully. Following their four game home stint AAU will take on three non-conference opponents. They first travel to Seaside,CA to take on the Otters of CSU Monterey Bay, then return home to take on Menlo College for the second time this season, then finish up with a match just across the bridge with Holy Names University.
SCOUTING THE SILVERSWORD:
Chaminade is 0-3 in conference and 1-11 overall coming into their match with the Urban Knights. Their lone win came in their first match of the season against Cal State East Bay, 3-2. The Silverswords are lead by junior setter Tanya Alvino who has played in all 50 sets, racked up 427 assists thus far and 14 blocks. Courtney Lorusso leads Chaminade with 139 kills and 2.98 points per set, Whitney Viveiros is close behind with 111 kills 2.22 per set.
SCOUTING THE SEA WARRIORS:
HPU is led by Kelly Balanay who has knocked down 137 kills this season she averages 3.13 hitting percentage and 2.73 kills per set. Balanay also adds 50 total blocks. Julia Gruszecka is second in kills with 107 total kills this season. She also has 20 total blocks, 17 block assists and thee block solos. Madison Hardy holds the top spot in assists on the Sea Warriors roster with 274. HPU comes into the match 2-0 in conference play. They knocked off Chaminade and BYU-Hawaii to bring them to 5-6 overall and 2-0 in conference play.
RED STORM RECAP:
The Dixie State Red Storm, who are currently ranked 2nd in the PacWest, dominated in all phases of the match, sweeping the Academy of Art University, 3-0 (25-14, 28-26, 25-22) Friday night at Kezar Pavilion. The match sparks a five game home stint in which the Urban Knights will compete against three conference opponents. A feat that has already proven to be a daunting task for the Knights who are now 1-3 in league play.
For the Urban Knights Dan Yang had a team-high 12 kills, while Jelena Jakovljevic finished with another double double, 10 kills and 12 digs. Melissa Cheng finished with 26 assists and Camille Board knocked down four block assists and one block solo. The loss gives AAU their fourth of the season. and their second in Pac West play, they are now 12-4 overall and 1-2 in conference.
