@OspreyVB Makes Return to UNF Arena with Two #ASunVB Matches This Weekend

Live Stats (Both matches)
Live Video (Kennesaw State match only)
Ticket Information

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For the first time in a month, University of North Florida volleyball is back on its home court as the Ospreys host a pair of key Atlantic Sun matches to wrap up the first half of conference play. UNF hosts Kennesaw State on Friday at 7 p.m., and then USC Upstate on Saturday at 3 p.m.

"We are excited to be back at home and in front of our fans," said head coach Steve Loeswick. "This is a huge weekend against two talented teams. Both Kennesaw State and USC Upstate bring unique challenges that will test us in different ways."

Friday night's match with Kennesaw State is a Pink Out. Fans are encouraged to wear pink for breast cancer awareness. The Ospreys will be selling shirts at the match with the proceeds benefitting the 26.2 With Donna Foundation. Shirts may be purchased for $10 for short sleeve, $15 for long sleeve or $20 for both.

"The Pink Out is a great way to raise awareness for breast cancer and contribute to the 26.2 With Donna Foundation," said Loeswick. "Breast cancer is a disease that affects many people. I'm glad we can host an event that keeps the cause at the forefront of people's minds and I hope we have a great crowd come out for it."

UNF's previous six matches were all on the road, including the team's first five Atlantic Sun matches of the season. The Ospreys finished the road stretch on Tuesday night with a 3-1 win at Bethune-Cookman.

Friday's match with Kennesaw State is the latest in which UNF has played its first Atlantic Sun home match. Prior to this season, the latest UNF's first designated Atlantic Sun home match was on Oct. 14 in both 2005 and 2006. UNF is an all-time 7-2 in its Atlantic Sun home openers.

Each of UNF's first five conference matches have been close, including last Saturday's five-set match at Lipscomb. UNF was just the fourth team to go to five sets with the Lady Bisons and the only Atlantic Sun team to do so this season.

Kennesaw State concludes a four-match homestand last weekend and looks to end a three-match road skid. The Owls come off a pair of four-set losses to Stetson and Florida Gulf Coast last weekend, but have already gotten two conference wins with victories over USC Upstate and Northern Kentucky. Kelly Marcinek has a team-best 235 kills and averages 3.26 kills per set. Katarina Morton is averaging 4.28 digs per set, which is third-most in the A-Sun.

Kennesaw State leads the series with UNF 8-4 and won both matches last season.

USC Upstate returns to the road for the first time since a Tuesday night match at Winthrop on Sept. 30. The Spartans begin this weekend's road trip at Jacksonville on Friday night, which is the first of three straight road matches. USC Upstate has dropped its last seven matches, including a 3-2 setback to Stetson last Saturday. The Atlantic Sun's leader in digs, USC Upstate has 1,320 digs on the season, which is 150 digs more than the second-place team. USC Upstate averages 16.5 digs per season and has four players with over 225 digs each. Meanwhile, Kayla Eversgerd and Kayla McAvoy are each closing in on 200 kills for the season.

UNF leads the all-time series 30-6. Last year's series was split with each team winning on its home court.

Several promotions will take place with this weekend's matches. In addition to the Pink Out on Friday night, Moe's will be passing out a limited number coupons for free burritos. On Saturday, Oktoberfest will be celebrated with the first 100 students receiving a free soft pretzel from the concession stand. Additionally, German beer will be on sale for $5 available to fans of the legal drinking age.

Tickets for volleyball matches are $5 Adult and $3 Youth 17-and-under, Senior Citizens 55+, UNF Faculty/ Staff, and Military. Students with a valid Osprey1 Card and children 2-and-under are free.

@OspreyVB Makes Return to UNF Arena with Two #ASunVB Matches This Weekend

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