How the American Eagles are going to fight the challenge against Blue Hens?
The top team of the Patriot League regular season as well as the Patriot League Tournament, the American Eagles (23-10) are scheduled to take up the initial challenge at the NCAA Tournament on Friday, December 2. They will cross their paths with the Blue
Hens of the Delaware State University in the first round match. The Blue Hens come with the title of CCA Championship winners and have compiled a record of 20-12 in the regular season. The two teams have not played since 2000.
This year, the NCAA Championship has created the chance of bringing them together on the centre court. The two programs will have their 15th meeting, dating back to 1976. Blue Hens hold an 8-6 all-time series lead, which shows that Americans will
have the psychological pressure on them. The Eagles won four of the last five matches against Delaware. In their last meeting in 2000, American Eagles managed to overcome the tough rival and posted 3-0 victory. That is what the Eagles can build their confidence
on. The Delaware’s last win in the series was a five set decision at American in 1996.
Today’s match will be a real trial for both teams. The Eagles, who come into the NCAA Tournament on an 18-1 stretch, including a 10-0 mark since October 19, will be required to produce an up-to-mark performance, in order to overcome the Blue Hens. The records
show that Eagles are enjoying a good form. Their last loss came to the hands of Lehigh on October 15 during the regular season. It was a straight set decision that ended an eight game winning streak of Eagles.
Eagles clawed their way to the NCAA Tournament by capturing the top slot in Patriot League. They defeated Colgate University Volleyball Team in the Patriot League semi-final match. Carrying out the same momentum, the Eagles defeated Army team and seized
the championship title. Both of the crucial matches ended in four set. However, the Eagles qualified for the NCAA Tournament.
In the upcoming tough encounter, the Eagles will heavily rely on the freshman sensation Sara Rishell. She demonstrated a stellar performance during the regular season and clinched individual award of the Patriot League Player and Rookie of the Year. Eagles
will have to use her for strong offense in the next match against Blue Hens. With the help of Rishell, Eagles will be able to build a good fighting score.
Juliana Crum will also support Eagles. Previously, she was named to the All-Patriot League First Team. The first round match of NCAA Championship will put her skills to another test. Crum is not only good in attack but she is also known for her defensive
efforts. She is a brilliant digger who has helped Eagles in the past.
The American uses two setters in their matches and both Monika Smidova and Alexandra Hammer know the job of setter. They have proven their talent in the Patriot League matches and it is likely that they will keep up the same momentum against Blue Hens in
the upcoming match.
Now if the strong offense of Eagles combined with good defence work out, they will not take long to sideline the Blue Hens, one more time. However, the real picture of the match will become evident as the two teams will make it to the centre court. Keep
your fingers crossed and check back for latest news.