LINCOLN, Neb. (October 23rd, 2024) - After a hard fought loss to Doane College on Friday, Nebraska Wesleyan is set to host Central and visit Wartburg in a key week of American Rivers Conference action.
LOCATION, GAME TIME, LIVE STREAM & LIVE STATS
Nebraska Wesleyan will host Central College on Wednesday, October 23rd at 6:00 p.m. The match will be played at Sndyer Arena, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Saturday's road match against Wartburg will be played at Levick Arena, in Waverly, Iowa. The match is set to begin at 11:00 a.m.
ABOUT THE PRAIRIE WOLVES
Nebraska Wesleyan (16-6, 3-1 A-R-C) is coming off a week which saw a thrilling five set victory over Buena Vista, and a tough 3-1 loss to Doane. NWU is averaging 15.25 points per set while allowing 13.05 points per set. Through 22 matches, the Prairie Wolves have recorded 967 kills (11.50 per set), 892 assists, 1,304 digs, and 125 blocks, with a team hitting percentage of .171.
NEBRASKA WESLEYAN STATISTICAL LEADERS
HEAD COACH RAYNA CAIN
Rayna Cain is in her 13th season as head coach of the Prairie Wolves, with a career record of 189-148. She is one of only three coaches in NWU history to surpass 100 career wins and has coached three AVCA All-American honorable mentions and 31 All-Conference athletes.
KEY WEEK IN CONFERENCE PLAY
This week offers Nebraska Wesleyan two opportunities to move up the conference standings. Wednesday's match with Central will be a battle of teams with a 3-1 conference record with the winner likely occupying sole possession of second place in the American Rivers Conference. Then on Saturday, the Prairie Wolves will face off with Wartburg, who is currently unblemished in conference play.
SCOUTING THE DUTCH
Central enters Wednesday's match with a 16-6 record. The Dutch have won their last two matches. Central is averaging 16.21 points per set while allowing 12.07 points per set. The Dutch have a hitting percentage of .199, with 999 kills, 924 assists, 1,282 digs, and 181 aces. Head coach Jeanne Czipri is in her eighth season leading the Beavers.
SERIES HISTORY AGAINST CENTRAL COLLEGE
Wednesday will mark the 33rd meeting between Nebraska Wesleyan and Central. The Prairie Wolves lead the all-time series 17-15.
SCOUTING THE KNIGHTS
Wartburg enters the week with a 13-8 record, with a perfect 3-0 record in American Rivers Conference play. The Knights defeated Luther College, 3-1, in the last match. Prior to hosting Nebraska Wesleyan, Wartburg will visit Loras College on Wednesday, October 23rd. Through 21 matches, the Knights are averaging 15.55 points per set, and allowing 14.41 points per set. Wartburg has a hitting percentage of .198, with 988 kills, 921 assists, 1,335 digs, and 162 aces. Wartburg is co-head coached by Jennifer Walker and Doug Frazell.
SERIES HISTORY AGAINST WARTBURG COLLEGE
Friday will be the 35th meeting between Nebraska Wesleyan and Wartburg. The Prairie Wolves lead the all-time series 18-16.
