CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Royals will continue their road slate of conference games in ASUN action, heading to Carrollton, Ga. to face the West Georgia Wolves on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6 PM ET before traveling to Nashville to face Lipscomb on Saturday, Oct. 5 for a 2 PM ET start.
OPENING NOTES
Going into the weekend, the Royals aim to stay on the win train after a convincing sweep over ASUN foe Stetson. Currently, Alleigh Johnson leads the squad on offense with 145 kills at a 3.02 kills-per-set rate while Anna Grace Sparks has racked up 113 kills and a 3.23 kills-per-set average. Kayla McDuffie (#19) provides a strong presence in the middle, contributing 93 kills with a team-high .207 hitting percentage.
The Royals have posted 573 total kills, hitting at .149 as a team, but consistency will be key as they look to improve from their 14.73 points-per-set average against tough opponents. Queens will need to limit attacking errors (292 so far this season) and build on their distribution.
Jesse George and Jordyn Johnson anchor the defense with 153 and 150 digs, respectively, while Emma Norris and Kayla McDuffie combine for 67 total blocks this season.
DIGS LEADER: After Week 5 of the 2024 season, The Royals claim the top spot in digs per set in the ASUN with an impressive 17.76 average. The Royals' defensive consistency has been key for Queens in the early half of the season. Jordyn Johnson, Jesse George, and Tilley Collins regularly contribute significant numbers of digs, keeping Queens' strong and giving the team numerous chances to turn defense into offense.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
The Royals will take on the new ASUN Member West Georgia Wolves for the first time in Division I history on Thursday. The Wolves have already made themselves known in the conference with two players already earning weekly awards and claiming their first ASUN victory over Stetson on Sept. 27.
Lipscomb, an ASUN powerhouse in volleyball, are 2-0 in the early conference season with wins over Bellarmine and EKU - both going five sets. Courtney Jones will be the main offensive weapon for the Bisons, with 158 kills so far on her stat line.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow the Royals women's volleyball team on Instagram and Twitter/X stay up to date on all the latest news surrounding the team. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics to stay updated on all the Royals sports teams in action by searching @QueensAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
