MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The RMU volleyball team opens its 2025 home slate this weekend by co-hosting the Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Classic with Duquesne. The Colonials will face FDU and Loyola Maryland on Friday before squaring off against the Dukes in Saturday's lone match, all at the UPMC Events Center.
 
RMU LATELY
The Colonials are looking to bounce back after an 0-3 opening weekend at the Rocket Invitational against Toledo, Saint Francis, and UAlbany.
Senior Hillarie Adams paced RMU offensively, leading the team with 22 kills across 10 sets. Jasmine Purakal anchored the defense with 38 digs and added two aces. Junior middle blocker Azra Eric filled the stat sheet with a team-high six blocks and three aces, while also contributing 17 kills and five digs over three matches.
 
COLLEGIATE DEBUTS
Twelve Colonials saw action during opening weekend, including four making their collegiate debuts.

• Layla Todd appeared in eight sets, posting eight digs, two assists, and one kill.
• Tia Schultz tied for fourth on the team with 10 kills, while also adding two blocks and a dig.
• Addyson Butts chipped in three blocks, three digs, and two aces in six sets played.
• Isabelle Jackson played in five sets and led the team with 11 assists, also recording seven digs against Toledo.

 
ALL-TIME VS. CHICK-FIL-A CLASSIC OPPONENTS
RMU has a long history with its first opponent, FDU, as the teams have met 44 times. The Colonials own a 13-match win streak over the Knights, including nine straight sweeps. While both were in the NEC, RMU held a dominant 35-7 conference record in the series.

Friday evening brings the Colonials' 10th all-time meeting with Loyola Maryland. The Greyhounds topped RMU in four sets in 2022, snapping the Colonials' eight-match win streak in the series, which included four sweeps.

On Saturday, RMU closes out the Classic against local rival Duquesne. The teams have split the last four meetings (2-2) as non-conference foes. The Dukes took last year's matchup at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, 3-1. Adams led RMU with 12 kills, while Eric recorded a match-high five blocks.

UP NEXT
RMU returns to the road next weekend for the Hoke Invitational at Virginia Tech. The Colonials will face Marshall and Virginia Tech on Friday before wrapping up the tournament against UMES on Saturday.
 
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