It is going to be a busy week for the Colorado State volleyball team.
CSU will be playing three matches this weekend. The first on Friday, Sept. 16 at home against the University of New Orleans New Orleans, and the next two on Saturday against Chicago State University and the University of Colorado. Both games on Saturday will be held in Boulder.
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It has been a rough couple weeks on the court for the CSU Rams. The team started the season hot, winning their first four matches, but have been in the midst of an uncharacteristic slump since, dropping their last four matches, bringing their record to 4-4.
Friday night’s math with New Orleans will favor the Rams. Colorado State holds an offensive advantage against the Privateers, who currently hold a hitting percentage of just .166 compared to CSU’s .267.
New Orleans comes into the match 3-7, and have not played any nationally ranked teams. The Rams, however, will be coming off of a close match against No. 2 Texas. If the Rams can play at the level as they did against Texas, they should walk away with a win on Friday night.
Chicago State (1-8) also shouldn’t pose much of a problem for the Rams. CSU’s defense should be able to easily contain Chicago State’s offense, who is currently hitting at .122. With the Ram’s averaging 14 digs and three blocks per set, they should be able to return to from against Chicago State.
The Ram’s will be seeing their toughest matchup of the weekend in enemy territory, as they take on No. 18 University of Colorado (5-2) in Boulder.
While the Rams have been struggling in recent weeks, the Buffs have beaten Penn State and Illinois , who at the time, were ranked No. 13 and No. 18, respectively. On paper, both teams hold similar statistics, so it will be important for the Rams to grab an early lead and stay defensively sound. Tensions will be high when the Rams and Buffs square off for a volleyball showdown.
The Rams first match of the weekend against New Orleans on Sept. 16 will start at 7 P.M. in Moby Arena.
Collegian sports reporter Jack Starkebaum can be reached by email at sports@collegian.com
