Volleyball Returns to Davis Gym for Games Against American and Holy Cross

Setting the Scene, Part I
Who: American (10-7, 3-2 PL) vs. Bucknell (7-8, 3-3 PL)
When: Friday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.
Where: Davis Gym – Lewisburg, Pa.
Live Video: ESPN+
Live Stats: bucknellbison.com

Setting the Scene, Part II
Who: Holy Cross (3-12, 0-6 PL) vs. Bucknell (7-8, 3-3 PL)
When: Saturday, Oct. 7 at 5 p.m.
Where: Davis Gym – Lewisburg, Pa.
Live Video: ESPN+
Live Stats: bucknellbison.com

About Bucknell

Bucknell split the two conference games held in the Old Line State. Bucknell led two sets to one before the Navy Midshipmen completed the rally to steal the win. The Bison rebounded nicely by defeating Loyola (Md.) in straight sets. It was the first road conference sweep for Bucknell since 2015.
Bucknell will play American on Friday and Holy Cross on Saturday. Both contests will be streamed on ESPN+, and live stats will be available for both games. The links are in this article and on the Bucknell volleyball schedule page.
The Bison were picked to finish fifth in the preseason poll. Reigning champion Colgate was selected to repeat as title-winners. Jordan Hardy was crowned Preseason Libero of the Year. It is the first time a Bucknell libero was awarded the honor. She led the Patriot League in digs (591), 71 more than the nearest opposition, and digs per serve (5.68). Her digs per serve mark ranked her fifth in the nation. Hardy was All-Patriot League Second Team last season.
The Orange & Blue return most of their offensive and defensive prowess. Bri Frazilus, the 2022 Patriot League Rookie of the Year, totaled 293 kills to lead the team and finish fifth in the Patriot League. Senior Catherine "Cat" Jamison collected 263 kills and 277 points, both top-ten in the Patriot League. Along with the returners, the Bison welcome five newcomers to the squad.
Hagstrom enters his fourth season at the helm of the Bison herd. He is joined by third-year assistant Jeremy Young and newly hired assistant coach Haylie Clark, who recently graduated from Elon after a stellar playing career.
Jordan Hardy currently leads the Patriot League in digs per set (5.39) and ranks eighth nationally. Her 36 digs against Cleveland State are tied for third-most in a five-set game in the NCAA this season.
Caleigh O'Connell has set the table for the Bucknell attack. Her 6.46 assists per set ranks fifth in the Patriot League.
Sidney Shaffer picked up Patriot League Rookie of the Week on Sept. 26 for her dominating performance against Lehigh and Lafayette. She recorded 27 kills and 12 blocks. She ranks eighth in the Patriot League in hitting percentage (.285).
Catherine Jamison's senior year has her currently ranked eighth in kills per set (2.98) and points per set (3.29).

Scouting American/Series History

The Eagles are 10-7 overall and 3-2 in Patriot League play. Last weekend, American swept Lafayette and Lehigh. They have lost 3-1 to Army, beat Holy Cross 3-1, and just lost 3-0 to Loyola (Md.) in other league action.
American finished 15-15 overall and 7-9 in the Patriot League in 2022. It was their first losing mark in conference play since 1992. They lost in the Patriot League quarterfinals to Navy.
Zeynep Uzen leads the team in kills with 259.
American was selected to finish fourth in the Patriot League Preseason Poll. Uzen notched Preseason Player of the Year for the second straight season.
Head coach Ahen Kim is in his inaugural season of command.
Bucknell is 4-50 all-time against American. But the Bison won both matchups in 2022.

Scouting Holy Cross/Series History

The Crusaders are 3-12 on the season and 0-6 in Patriot League play. Holy Cross is 3-0 against NEC foes but 0-12 versus all other competition. The Crusaders have taken two sets in their losses against American, Army, Colgate, Lafayette, Lehigh, and Navy.
Holy Cross finished 3-24 in 2022, with a 1-15 mark in Patriot League play. They did not qualify for the Patriot League Tournament.
Rachel Johnson leads the squad with 170 kills.
Holy Cross was picked ninth in the Patriot League League preseason poll.
Kathleen Colpoys enters her fifth season as head coach of the Holy Cross program.
Bucknell is 41-20 against Holy Cross. The Bison split last season against the Crusaders, which gave the Worcester team its only conference win.

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