Russell, Crusader volleyball set to play in Hart Center Arena

Holy Cross volleyball starts their Patriot League home schedule this weekend hosting American (6-5, 0-0 PL) on Friday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. before welcoming 2022 conference runner-up Navy (9-1, 1-0 PL) during homecoming Saturday with first serve at 3 p.m.

Friday's match against American will be the Crusaders Cousy Cup game. The Cousy Cup is a competition among all of the Crusaders' varsity athletic teams, which takes into account performances in competition, academic success, community service and school spirit.

The 2022 Cousy Cup match was held in Coach George Blaney '61 Gymnasium, but this year it will be played in the Hart Center Arena. Admission is free and there will be a bucket hat giveaway for the first 150 fans. 

The volleyball program last played in the Hart Center Arena in 2018 and it is where the only win against American in program history took place, a 3-1 (26-24, 25-23, 23-25, 27-25) Crusader victory on Nov. 3, 2018. Sophomore setter Katie Russell as well as the entire team is thrilled to be playing in the Hart Center in front of a rowdy crowd. 

“We are ecstatic to be playing in the Hart Center!” Russell said. “After last year's sell out crowd we are excited to see all the faces in the stands this year, and can’t wait to play a powerful match. This is not only a step for Crusader volleyball, but also for women in sports.”

The team returns home to friendly confines after a suffering a pair of conference losses last weekend at Lafayette (3-1) and at Lehigh (3-0). The team has practiced in the Hart Center this week looking for ways to get better and hoping to simulate a game environment they are not familiar with. 

The team approaches everyday with the work ethic of 'I’m better than I was yesterday but not as good as I'll be tomorrow.," said Russell. “Each individual strives to execute at the highest level building a powerful cohesive unit ultimately bringing the highest level of intensity to Crusader volleyball.” 

'SADER SHORTS

• A pair of Crusader outside hitters, junior Abbie Lane (128) and sophomore Rachel Johnson (126) rank third and fourth in the Patriot League in kills.
• Johnson also ranks third in the league in points (148.5). 
• Johnson has tallied double-digit kills in nine of 11 matches (81.8%) this season.

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