Hoping to extend their three winning streak, the Blue Devils host Mercer University Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The Duke volleyball team (12-12, 7-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference) is riding a three match winning streak in which they defeated Virginia, Wake Forest and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, all by 3-0 margins.
This match is an important one, as Duke is building momentum in an effort to finish the season on a strong note. The Mercer match is their last non-conference contest of the season, with five ACC matches slated to finish up the season.
Duke's depth has helped in recent victories, with freshmen Nina Rybak and Janee Hayes making important contributions. Most importantly, Duke's starters have been carrying the load.
Sarah Peifer has remained a force for the Blue Devil front-line. Peifer is currently ranked 1st in the ACC in digs per game (3.82) and 7th in kills per game (3.68). Additionally, Jami Ediger, Kristen Campbell, Dominique Philipp and Maureen Reindl have been playing well during Duke's winning streak.
Although Duke has been playing well as of late, the Mercer Bears (12-11, 1-3 in the Trans-America Athletic Conference), will be ready to face the Blue Devils.
The Bears are an experienced squad with a senior dominated lineup. Led by seniors Sharon Edwards, Jennifer Greissing, Julie Sadjak and Darcy Laverty, the Bears were able to capture the Mercer Tournament earlier on in the season.
Sadjak and Jennifer Neiner are Mercer's key front court players, averaging 2.718 and 2.317 kills per game, respectively.
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