FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The Alaska Nanooks volleyball team hits the road once again for two Great Northwest Athletic Conference matches this week, taking on the Saint Martin's Saints on Friday, Oct. 20 before facing the Seattle Pacific Falcons on Saturday, Oct. 21. Friday's game is scheduled for 6pm AKDT, while Saturday's is slated for 4pm AKDT.
The Nanooks currently sit with an overall mark of 9-10 on the season and hold a GNAC record of 2-8.
Where to Watch & Listen
If fans aren't able to make this weekend's games, all Alaska Nanooks volleyball games for the remainder of the season (home and away) will be streamed live for free through the Alaska Nanooks Stretch Internet Portal (link posted above). Fans have the option to watch the stream, follow the live stats or both. Please be advised that when on the road, Alaska volleyball games are produced and streamed through the respected home school.
Last Time Out
Last week, the Alaska Nanooks saw its current losing streak end at four matches, as the Nanooks defeated the Western Oregon Wolves 3-1 on Thursday, before falling to the Concordia Cavaliers 1-3 on Saturday.
GNAC Standings
Alaska is currently tied for eighth in the GNAC standings with Saint Martin's, Western Oregon and Montana State Billings, each with a 2-8 conference mark. The Nanooks are one of seven teams in the GNAC with nine-or-more wins throughout the 2017 season. Western Washington now sits in first place in the conference with a 10-1 GNAC mark.
Against the Rest
- Alaska enters the week third in the conference with a .217 hitting percentage and also ranks third in the GNAC with a 1.53 aces per set average.
- Freshman setter Cate Whiting is sixth in the GNAC with a 0.36 aces per set average
- Sophomore libero Jenna Hickel is seventh in the conference in digs per set, averaging 4.69.
Scouting the Opponent – Saint Martin's (8-11 Overall, 2-8 GNAC)
Besides Western Oregon, Saint Martin's is the only other GNAC team the Nanooks have defeated this season, posting a 3-1 victory on Sept. 22 at the Alaska Airlines Court. Last week, SMU dropped both conference matches to Western Washington and Simon Fraser. SMU enters the week averaging 12.06 kills and 17.27 digs per set with a .168 hitting percentage. Senior setter Nicolette Nesbitt is sixth in the GNAC with 8.28 assists per set while freshman middle blocker Kamille Langford is ninth with 1.03 blocks per set.
Scouting the Opponent – Seattle Pacific (10-8 Overall, 5-5 GNAC)
Earlier this season, the Nanooks fell in five sets to SPU on Sept. 21. Last week, the Falcons earned a split on the road defeating Simon Fraser 3-1 before falling to Western Washington 3-0. SPU enters the week averaging 12.12 kills and 16.57 digs per set with a .178 hitting percentage. The Falcons also rank fourth in the GNAC with 2.05 blocks per set. Sophomore middle blocker Nichol Tchabanov is fifth in the GNAC and 27th in Division II with 1.21 blocks per set.
For more information on the Alaska Nanooks volleyball team, follow @NanooksVB on Twitter or like the Alaska Nanooks Volleyball team page on Facebook.
