The UMBC Volleyball team continues its arduous non-conference schedule by facing a pair of mid-major powers in Connecticut this weekend. The Retrievers will play perennial NEC favorite Sacred Heart (2022 Record:21-10, 12-2 NEC) on Friday night at 6 p.m. before a Saturday contest at MAAC power Fairfield (2022 Record: 25-7, 17-1 MAAC) on Saturday at 2:30 pm. Saturday's match will be the inaugural volleyball match at the brand new Leo D. Mahoney Arena.

After strong showings on opening-weekend, Mia Bilusic (Zagreb, Croatia) and Aysia Miller (Mililani, Hawaii) were tabbed as the America East Player and Setter of the Week, respectively, the Conference announced on Tuesday

Bilusic  had a double-double and .300 hitting pct. in two matches this weekend.  She also amassed a total of 45 kills and 24 digs in the Retrievers opening weekend. 

Miller tallied 22 kills, 76 assists, and 35 digs at the JMU Invitational, earning herself a spot on the All-Tournament team.  She also recorded a double-double in each match, including an impressive 30 assists and 15 digs vs. Big South Preseason favorite, High Point. 

Scouting Sacred Heart:

• The last time the Retrievers faced the Pioneers was on September 11, 2010 at home where the Retrievers fell 3-1.
• Sacred Heart started the season with a 0-2 record, being swept by both Michigan and Boston College.
• First year Gaby Zovko led the team against Michigan with 20 assists and 5 digs, while sophomore Eliana Rodgers contributed 6 kills, 3 digs, and .313 hitting percentage.
• Zovko also contributed against Boston College with 18 assists and 11 digs while, Senior Kate Anderson had 8 kills, 2 blocks, and .500 hitting percentage.
• The Pioneers are under head coach Rob Machan and topped the league's preseason coaches poll for the fifth consecutive year in the Northeastern Conference.

Scouting Fairfield

• The last time the Retrievers faced Fairfield was on August 30, 2019 at home where the Retrievers fell in five sets.
• The Stags started the season with a 2-1 record, winning against Army West Point and Central Connecticut State and dropping a match to California.
• Junior Mikayla Haut led the way for the Stags with a double-double against Army with 15 kills and 13 digs.
• Sophomore Abby Jandro posted her second straight double-double from the setter spot with 31 assists and 11 digs in the four-set victory against Central Connecticut State.
• The Stags are under first year head coach Nancy Somera and were voted third in the MAAC preseason poll.