MONTEVALLO, Ala. – The University of Montevallo volleyball team returns to the road this weekend for a pair of important Gulf South Conference matchups as the Falcons travel to Mississippi Christian on Friday, Oct. 30, before facing West Alabama on Sunday, Nov. 1.

Montevallo enters the weekend with an 18-7 overall record and a 10-4 mark in GSC play. With the regular season winding down, the Falcons will look to build momentum and strengthen their position in the conference standings.

The Falcons open the weekend against Mississippi Christian at 6 p.m. Friday inside A.E. Wood Coliseum in Clinton, Miss., before traveling to Livingston, Ala., for a 1 p.m. matchup against West Alabama on Sunday at Pruitt Hall.


MONTEVALLO AT A GLANCE

The Falcons enter the weekend following a three-set victory over Trevecca Nazarene on Tuesday, Oct. 27, improving their record to 18-7 overall and 10-4 in conference action.

Under head coach Haven O'Quinn, Montevallo has put together a strong conference campaign, including a six-match winning streak earlier this month.

Offensively, Montevallo has recorded a .220 hitting percentage while averaging 13.11 kills per set. The Falcons have also been effective defensively, averaging 15.09 digs per set.

Katie Wilkerson leads the Falcons offensively with 296 kills, averaging 3.25 per set, while Eliza Tyrrell follows with 265 kills.

Defensively, Ava Wind continues to anchor the Montevallo back row with 476 digs, averaging 5.23 per set.

The Falcons will look to continue their strong play as they face two conference opponents with significant implications for the GSC standings.


SCOUTING MISSISSIPPI CHRISTIAN
Friday, Oct. 30 | 6 p.m. CT
A.E. Wood Coliseum | Clinton, Miss.

Mississippi Christian enters Friday's matchup with a 10-16 overall record and a 7-7 mark in Gulf South Conference play.

The Choctaws are coming off a three-set victory over Union on Tuesday, Oct. 27, and have won three of their last four matches. Mississippi Christian has posted a 6-4 record at home this season.

The two programs previously met on Oct. 3 in Montevallo, where the Falcons earned a 3-1 victory over the Choctaws. Montevallo will look to complete the regular-season sweep with another victory Friday.

Offensively, Mississippi Christian has recorded 1,161 kills through 101 sets, averaging 11.5 kills per set with a .149 hitting percentage.

Meg Paparella leads the Choctaws with 194 kills, followed closely by Cydney Mitchell with 191 and Mary Grace Foster with 186. 

Reese Regner leads the team with 499 assists, averaging 5.14 per set, while Mamie Fromdahl has contributed 317 assists.

Defensively, Samarin Kipple leads Mississippi Christian with 474 digs, averaging 4.74 per set. Mitchell has been a presence at the net with 64 total blocks.

The Choctaws are averaging 16.4 digs and 1.8 blocks per set this season.


SCOUTING WEST ALABAMA
Sunday, Nov. 1 | 1 p.m. CT
Pruitt Hall | Livingston, Ala.

West Alabama enters the weekend with a 24-4 overall record and an 11-3 mark in Gulf South Conference play.

The Tigers are coming off a three-set loss to Christian Brothers on Tuesday, Oct. 27, and will host UAH on Friday before welcoming Montevallo for Senior Night on Sunday.

West Alabama has been particularly strong at home this season, posting an 11-1 record inside Pruitt Hall.

Sunday's matchup will be the second meeting between Montevallo and West Alabama this season. The Tigers claimed a closely contested five-set victory in Montevallo on Oct. 2, winning the deciding set 17-15.

After dropping the opening set, West Alabama rallied to win the second and third sets before the Falcons forced a fifth set. Montevallo will look to even the season series in Sunday's rematch.

Offensively, West Alabama has produced a .269 hitting percentage while averaging 13.41 kills per set. The Tigers have also held opponents to a .146 hitting percentage.

Sophomore Klára Bobánová leads the Tigers with 328 kills, averaging 3.57 per set while hitting .322.

Katerina Korre follows with 265 kills and a .289 hitting percentage, while Jazlyn Snow has contributed 188 kills and leads the team with a .349 hitting percentage.

Freshman setter Rachele Zanini directs the West Alabama offense with 962 assists, averaging 10.23 per set. Zanini has also contributed 262 digs and 39 service aces.

Defensively, Bailey Keef leads the Tigers with 286 digs, while West Alabama has combined for 130 blocks this season.

With both teams entering the weekend near the top of the conference standings, Sunday's matchup provides an opportunity for the Falcons to earn a key road victory.


MATCH INFORMATION
Match 1: Montevallo at Mississippi Christian

• Date: Friday, Oct. 30
• Time: 6 p.m. CT
• Location: A.E. Wood Coliseum | Clinton, Miss.
• Records: Montevallo (18-7, 10-4 GSC) | Mississippi Christian (10-16, 7-7 GSC)
• Previous Meeting: Montevallo won 3-1 (Oct. 3)

Match 2: Montevallo at West Alabama

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
• Time: 1 p.m. CT
• Location: Pruitt Hall | Livingston, Ala.
• Records: Montevallo (18-7, 10-4 GSC) | West Alabama (24-4, 11-3 GSC)
• Previous Meeting: West Alabama won 3-2 (Oct. 2)

UP NEXT

Following the weekend road trip, Montevallo returns to Central State Bank Arena for its final two regular-season home matches. The Falcons will host Auburn Montgomery on Friday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. for Community Day before welcoming Valdosta State on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 2 p.m. for Senior Day.

Both contests will be important as Montevallo prepares for the Gulf South Conference Tournament, scheduled for Nov. 12-14.