Oct. 17, 2006
Volleyball Preview: Baylor vs. Colorado
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BAYLOR (13-8, 2-7 Big 12) vs. Colorado (9-7, 5-4 Big 12)
Wednesday, Oct. 18 - 7 p.m.
Ferrell Center - Waco, Texas
Live Video Broadcast: BaylorBears.com
Baylor volleyball returns home for five of its next six matches, including three straight, as it looks to snap a six-match losing streak, first against Colorado Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Ferrell Center. The live video broadcast will be available through CSTV's All-Access on BaylorBears.com at 6:45 p.m.
The Bears are led by senior outside hitter Nicole LeBlanc, who averages 3.59 kills and 3.23 digs per game. Senior middle blocker Desiree Guilliard-Young averages 2.93 kills per game, ranks fifth in the Big 12 with a .374 hitting percentage and ranks second with 1.51 blocks per game. Freshman setter Taylor Barnes paces the offense, averaging 11.18 kills, 1.22 kills, 2.28 digs and 0.60 blocks per game while ranking third in the league with 0.56 service aces per game. Junior libero Kristen Schramek ranks fifth in the Big 12 with 4.14 digs per game.
In its last match, Baylor was swept by Kansas Saturday night in Lawrence. Guilliard-Young and freshman outside hitter Katie Sanders had 10 kills each to lead the Bears, while senior outside hitter Deja Sweeney had 13 digs and sophomore defensive specialist Amanda Renz had 10 digs to lead the team defensively.
Colorado is led by Amber Sutherland, who averages 4.20 kills per game and Mallori Gibson, who averages 3.25 kills per game. Setter Ashley Nu'u was one of two setters named to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team. In their last match, the Buffaloes were swept by top-ranked Nebraska Saturday in Lincoln. Sutherland led Colorado with nine kills, while Nu'u had 14 digs.
Wednesday's match marks the 22nd meeting between Colorado and Baylor, with the Buffaloes leading the all-time series, 19-2. Colorado has won the last 11 meetings and Colorado leads, 9-1, in Waco. The Buffaloes won the last meeting by sweeping the Bears Nov. 12, 2005, in Waco.
Baylor returns to action when it hosts Iowa State on homecoming Saturday at 7 p.m., then is idle midweek before hosting Missouri Saturday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m.
