Volleyball Volleys for a Cure Saturday Against Eastern Nazarene

SUFFOLK vs. EASTERN NAZARENE - PROGRAM
Date Time Venue Video Stats Series Last Meeting   Last Suffolk Win Streak	Saturday, Sept. 18 12:00 PM Smith Court Boston, Mass. Suffolk Stretch GoSuffolkRams.com Leads, 7-4 (since 2003) Sept. 13, 2018, L, 3-0 Sept. 12, 2017, W, 3-2 L1

BOSTON – In the midst of a three-match homestand, Suffolk volleyball will play for a cure Saturday, Sept. 18 when it welcomes Eastern Nazarene to Larry E. and Michael S. Smith Court. Action is set to begin at 12:00 p.m. 

SOCIAL SAYINGS
Ram Nation has a chance to keep up with all the latest news and notes on Suffolk Athletics, its student-athletes and teams by following the Rams on  Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Fans are encouraged to use the hashtag #RamNation a behind-the-scene look at Suffolk Athletics.

SUFFOLK ATHLETICS 2021-22 FAN POLICY
Suffolk University Athletics, following guidance from the University's health and safety protocols, Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC), Centers for Disease Control and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, plans to allow fans to attend home athletic contests during the 2021-22 academic and athletic year.

Fans, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, can attend games. They must be masked the entire time they are on campus, pursuant to institutional policy, and complete a health screening form at the security desk of each building upon arrival. This policy applies to home contests played on campus at the Ridgeway Building's Larry E. and Michael S. Smith Court, as well as the Emmons Horrigan O'Neil Memorial Rink and the Louis E. Porrazzo Memorial Skating Rink.

For outdoor outings, specifically at East Boston Memorial Park, fans are asked to respect COVID safety protocols. At this time, masks will not be mandated for fans no matter vaccinated status at outdoor venues.

MORE READING: Suffolk Athletics Announces Fan Policy for 2021-22

VOLLEY FOR A CURE
Suffolk women's volleyball has dedicated its Saturday, Sept. 18 showdown against Eastern Nazarene as a volley for a cure event to benefit the Jimmy Fund.

MORE READING: Volleyball to Host Jimmy Fund Match Saturday 

RESIDENT RAM DAY
Suffolk Athletics will host promotions, giveaways and special events throughout the 2021-22 year with the first on the calendar on Saturday, Sept. 18.

MORE READING: Resident Rams Day: Saturday, Sept. 18

LAST TIME OUT
For the first time since 2002, Suffolk volleyball defeated Lasell in Boston and the Rams did so in five-set fashion Thursday night at the Larry E. and Michael S. Smith Court.  

MORE READING: Volleyball Takes Five-Set Thriller Over Lasell

RAMS RUNDOWN
Behind its 3-2 victory over Lasell Thursday, Suffolk leveled its record to 5-5.  

McKenna Keowen produced on both sides of the net with a team-best 2.68 kps and 2.74 dps, good for second on the squad. Jasmine James adds 2.26 kps to the Rams' 9.53 kps attack that is set up by Harmony Johnson (5.19 aps) and Jayla Martinez (3.72 aps). Morgan Kelsey chips in nearly one ace per set with a 0.97 ace per set average and holds down the defense with 3.61 dps. 

LIONS LOOK
Eastern Nazarene has strung together a four-match win streak to hold a 5-5 mark. In the winning stretch the Lions defeated Regis (3-2), Husson (3-0), Colby Sawyer (3-1) and Emmanuel (3-0).  

As a team, ENC is producing 9.91 kps with Eliana Baran's 3.37 kps pacing the attack. Emma Graves pitches in 2.83 kps to the offense that is primarly set up by Ruth Aguilar, who dishes out 6.52 aps. 

Amya Altman and Jessica Caldwell register 2.77 dps and 2.54 dps, respectively to lead a defense that receives 0.83 bps from Graves. 

INSIDE THE SERIES

• Since 2003 Suffolk leads the series with Eastern Nazarene, 7-4. 
• The Lions took the last meeting in straight sets, Sept. 13, 2018. 
• Four battles have been decided in straight sets. Suffolk is 3-1 in such instances. 
• Four meetings went four sets. Each team owns a pair of wins in 3-1 decisions.   
• Suffolk is 2-1 against Eastern Nazarene when the match goes the distance. 
• In Boston, the Rams boast an unblemished 3-0 mark against ENC. 
• The blue-and-gold is 3-1 when playing the Lions on the road and 2-2 at a neutral site. 
• Suffolk is winless (0-1) versus Eastern Nazarene under Scott Blanchard's guidance.

EYES ON THE MATCH

WHAT'S NEXT?
Suffolk wraps up its three-match homestand in historic fashion with its Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) opener against Roger Williams Tuesday, Sept. 21. First serve as Smith Court is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.