Volleyball set to open conference play

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - No. 23 Middle Tennessee will open conference play on Friday as it faces rival Western Kentucky in Bowling Green, Ky.

This will be the only match for the Blue Raiders this week as they round out a long road stretch and prepare to play host to Florida International and Florida Atlantic a week later.

Middle Tennessee will look to rebound from losses to Ohio and Tulane last weekend with a win over the Hilltoppers.

Senior Ashley Asberry and junior Leslie Clark continue to climb up the record books as they help guide the Blue Raiders this season.

Asberry is now first on the all-time career list for block assists with 439. Asberry entered the season third with 386 block assists and after notching five block assists against Tulane moved to the top of the list.

Clark is now second on the all-time career list for assists with 3,333. After posting 125 assists against Ohio, Xavier and Tulane Clark is now second on the all-time career lists for assists with 3,333. The Olathe, Kan., native moved ahead of Nidza Castillo (1994-96) who previously held the spot with 3,295 assists. Clark is one of just three Blue Raiders to reach 3,000 assists in their career.

Western Kentucky ended last week 1-2 with losses to Michigan (3-0) and Albany (3-2) but defeated Arizona State 3-2. The Hilltoppers are led at the net by Meghan Argabright, who is currently hitting .408 with 187 kills.

The Hilltoppers lead the all-time series 25-8 but Middle Tennessee won the last meeting 3-0 at the Sun Belt Championships to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Admission to Western Kentucky volleyball matches at E.A. Diddle Arena is free. Russell Luna will call the play-by-play on www.goblueraiders.com.

Friend of the Blue Raiders? Like us on Facebook and become part of the True Blue army today.