Following a tough week and a long season leading up to now, Baylor decided to rest Katie Staiger against their easier conference foes this week. The Bears traveled to Texas Tech and Oklahoma – teams that are in the bottom half of the Big 12 Conference.
Leading up to these two matches, Staiger has been significantly carrying the Bears in kills with 337 for an average of 4.27 kills per set. Additionally, Staiger has produced 17 aces, 217 digs and 34 blocks on the year. Staiger’s 217 digs are second on the team and have an average of 2.75 digs per set for the senior.
With being such a strong and leading force for the team this season, that could possibly be on the cusp of receiving an NCAA Tournament bid, it is wise to rest Staiger as to help prevent a possible injury. For the time being, Staiger will stay off the volleyball court on a day-to-day basis, saving her for more crucial matches and the impending NCAA Tournament.
In her absence, freshman Yossiana Pressley has stepped up for the Bears, producing an average of 5.67 kills per set on a .464 hitting clip for the week. Pressley also added 2.5 digs and 1.16 blocks per set.
Up next for the Bears are TCU and Iowa State at home followed by four more matches to close out the season. The team’s senior day will be against Texas on November 25, their final conference match of the season. If they make the NCAA Tournament, the first round of play will begin on November 30 and go up to December 16 when the finals will commence the 2017 season.
Last year, Baylor made their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2011, ultimately losing to UCLA in the second round.
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