April 8, 2010

MILWAUKEE - The Marquette University women's volleyball team will travel to the University of Minnesota Saturday for its final matches of the spring. 

"We are looking forward to really strong competition this weekend," head coach Bond Shymansky said. "It is the culmination of our work and a true test as we wrap up the spring season."

The Golden Eagles, after completing a four-match sweep in their home tournament last Saturday will take on the host Golden Gophers at 9 a.m. before playing 2009 NCAA National Runner-Up Texas at 3 p.m. MU will then close out its spring campaign at 5 p.m. against North Dakota State. All matches will include three sets up to 25 points.

The Golden Eagles currently sit 7-0 in its seven matches this spring and hold an overall set record of 19-4.

Last weekend, MU hosted Milwaukee, Green Bay, Illinois-Chicago and Northwestern at the Al McGuire Center and pulled out a victory in all four matches. Marquette began play by sweeping Green Bay, 2-0 (25-9, 25-19) and UIC 2-0, (25-18, 25-17).

The Golden Eagles then used three sets to defeat Northwestern, 2-1 (25-21, 23-25, 15-7) before concluding the afternoon by downing Milwaukee, 2-0, (25-23, 25-16).

"We are a team that is learning to win ugly and scrap to score points when things are not going perfectly. The team has matured and we have had balanced performances from our young players, which is always a good sign," Shymansky said.

Sophomores Ashley Beyer and Ciara Jones once again led Marquette, this time with 29 kills each, while Rabbecka Gonyo and Danielle Carlson both reached the 20-kill plateau with 25 and 21, respectively. 

Beyer also had 20 digs, three blocks and five service aces.

Freshman Kelsey Warner led MU with 33 digs.