DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Readies for Two Matches, Senior Day
11/4/2011 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Nov. 4, 2011
CHICAGO -This weekend's pair of BIG EAST Conference matches are not only the last home matches for the DePaul volleyball team this season, but for Blue Demons seniors Lauren Blasi, Molly Creek, and Sammy Geiger, they also serve as the final two home matches of their respective four-year careers.
On Saturday, the Blue Demons look to change it up as they welcome Rutgers to the McGrath-Phillips Arena for a 2 p.m. contest. The Scarlet Knights, who enter the match 8-19 overall and 1-9 in BIG EAST action, have yet to capture a road victory this season.
Accordingly, DePaul looks to continue that streak as it won its most recent home matchup-a Tuesday night affair against Chicago State-and went 1-1 on its road trip last weekend. On that trip, DePaul took a 3-0 straight-set win at St. John's before falling to Connecticut in four frames. The Oct. 28 win over the Red Storm gave the Blue Demons their second conference win of the 2011 campaign, placing them ahead of both St. John's and Rutgers in the BIG EAST standings.
Sunday's 1 p.m. matchup against Seton Hall is a vital contest for DePaul as it looks to keep its postseason hopes alive. The Pirates currently stand at eighth in the conference with a 5-5 record. With both squads having four matches remaining-DePaul travels to Syracuse and Marquette next weekend-a win or loss on Sunday could make the difference.
Aside from BIG EAST tournament implications, Sunday's match is also the final contest at McGrath-Phillips Arena for Blasi, Creek, and Geiger, who have spent four years as members of the Blue Demons squad. Blasi, who hails from Fort Wayne, Ind., has been constant and steady figure in DePaul volleyball program. The right side hitter is guaranteed to finish her career with over than 100 blocks and more than 500 kills. Blasi, who currently has 538 kills in her career, stands just 24 kills away from tying fourth-place in DePaul's all-time records.
While battling injuries and competing through pain, Creek has done her part-registering over 200 kills and more than 100 blocks in her four years at DePaul. A Longmont, Colo., native, Creek's perseverance and dedication have made her a leader among the Blue Demons throughout her time in Lincoln Park.
DePaul's final senior of the season is Geiger. From Cave Creek, Ariz., Geiger has pushed and battled her way into the Blue Demons' record books in four years on the court. Heading into the weekend, the setter has amassed 1,659 assists-currently the fourth-most in DePaul volleyball history.
Fans are encouraged to remain in the McGrath-Phillips Arena following the conclusion of Sunday's match in order to recognize the three soon-to-be graduates DePaul graduates with a brief ceremony.
