The Blue Devils host Colorado State tonight at 7 p.m. in Cameron Indoor Stadium for what should be a trying home opener against an out-of-conference foe.
Duke (5-1), coming off a sweep in the Dawgs Invitational in Athens, Ga., has momentum going into its first home match. With a .325 hitting percentage, Duke’s offense is the best in the ACC.
The Blue Devils are the only team in the conference with a hitting percentage over .300 and also have impressive showings in blocks, service aces and lowest opponent hitting percentage. ACC play begins Sept. 25 against Maryland.
Sophomore Sophia Dunworth was named MVP of the Dawgs Invitational while recording a .529 hitting percentage and committing a mere three attack errors. Duke middle blockers Becci Burling and Amanda Robertson also made the all-tournament team.
The duo has played efficiently and maintained a .330 hitting percentage on the season, but the Blue Devils will have their hands full with the middle presence of the Rams (4-2).
Ranked No. 24 in the preseason poll, Colorado State had a rough start to its season, losing matches to Oregon State and No. 19 Pepperdine, but has since won four straight matches.
However, the Rams have yet to play away from home and Wednesday’s matchup will be their first test out of their comfortable home environment.
Setter Evan Sanders, who averages 9.70 assists per set, is the strength of Colorado State’s offense. In addition, the Rams have advantages in their defense with strong players dominating the middle, averaging 2.45 stops per set. The Rams also boast impressive outside hitters Danielle Minch and Jacque Davisson, who both rank among the top five in the Mountain West in kills.
Duke will also start its annual “Pennies for Points” campaign tonight, which is a charity drive to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research through small donations by the fans.
The money raised goes directly to the MS Society and fans will have the opportunity to get involved throughout the entire season.
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