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Welker Sets Freshman Block Record as Volleyball Endures Setback at Ball State
11/1/2024 7:31:00 PM | Volleyball
With six blocks tonight, Hatteras Welker has the most total blocks (110) from a freshman in program history
MUNCIE, Ind. (EMUEagles.com) – Hatteras Welker recorded six blocks to break the EMU single-season freshman record in Eastern Michigan University's loss to Ball State University inside Worthen Arena Friday, Nov. 1.
Welker (Sunbury, Ohio/Big Walnut) had six blocks to lead them defensively. With 110 blocks in the season, Welker has the most from an EMU freshman in program history since the start of the rally scoring era (2008-pres.). She currently stands eighth all-time in the rally scoring era single-season blocks leaderboards. Anna Guard (Burlington, Ky./St. Henry District) finished with eight kills on the day to lead the Eagles' attack, while they got nine digs from Hannah Blaney (Saline, Mich./Saline/Rhode Island)
How it Happened
SET 1 | An impressive defensive showing was not enough as the Eagles lost the first set, 25-17, despite recording nine blocks in the set.
SET 2 | A 25-18 set-two loss put Eastern Michigan in a 2-0 deficit in the match. The Eagles trailed by as many as seven points as Ball State grabbed the advantage for good at 9-8 in a set that was knotted up three times before the Cardinals took over the lead.
SET 3 | Ball State finished off the sweep with a third-set win. The Eagles dropped the set, 25-19, despite a solid showing on the attacking end. Eastern Michigan registered a .323 attack percentage with 15 kills in the set loss.
Match Notes
» With 10 blocks, Eastern recorded its 13th game with double-digit rejections this season. The best blocking team in the MAC and fourth in the nation, the Eagles hold a 9-4 record when notching at least 10 blocks.
» The Eagles out-blocked the Cardinals, 10-6, marking their 16th time out-blocking their opponent this season. They now hold a 10-6 record when doing so.
» Maddie Stayer (Mentor, Ohio/Mentor/Southern Miss./Jacksonville State) led the team with 22 assists. The outing marked her eighth time leading the team in assists this season and her sixth time with 20+ dimes.
» Lauren Welch (Union, Ky./Ryle/Ashland) recorded a season-high seven digs.
» Guard led the team offensively with eight kills and 10.5 points. Guard has now paced the Eagles in kills twice this season and recorded at least ten points six times.
Historical Notes
» Friday night's match marked the 89th all-time between the Eagles and Cardinals. After the result, Eastern holds a 28-61 record against Ball State and a 10-30 mark when facing it in Muncie.
» Welker led the Eagles with six blocks in the match. Welker has 110 blocks this season, the most from a freshman in program history since the start of the rally scoring era (2008-pres.). She also leads the MAC in both blocks and blocks per set (1.29).
» With 256.5 total blocks, the 2024 Eagles' squad has the third-most total blocks in program history. They would need to get to 321 TB to set the single-season program record.
Up Next
The Eagles and Cardinals will meet for the second consecutive day as they will face off tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 2. First serve is set for 4 p. m.
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