Oct. 18, 2006

Atlantic 10 Volleyball

Dayton carries an eight-match winning streak into a road trip that includes a showdown for first place in the Atlantic 10 West Division with Saint Louis on Friday (8 p.m. ET) and a Sunday match at Duquesne (1 p.m. ET). Both matches can be followed live with Gametracker at www.DaytonFlyers.com.

The Flyers (17-5, 7-0 A-10) have won 19 consecutive regular-season matches in conference play dating back to last season. UD also has won 20 straight matches played in the month of October. In fact, Dayton is 29-2 during the month of October under the direction of fourth-year head coach Tim Horsmon dating back to the 2003 season.

One reason for Dayton's surge this season has been the improved play of Jamie-Lee Richards. The junior outside hitter was named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Week on Monday following her third consecutive double-double.

"One of the biggest differences for me has been shifting to outside hitter this season," Richards commented. "Within the past couple of weeks, I have gotten the chance to play six rotations allowing me to play defense and I am just trying to make as many defensive plays as I can."

Overall this season, Richards ranks on the team in kills (2.77 kpg) while also averaging 1.37 dpg and 0.47 bpg. Although she has been honored for her improvement, the junior hopes that it is only a step along a journey towards another championship.

"I am very excited to receive this award and it does make me feel as if my improved play has been noticed," Richards said. "I don't think it adds any extra pressure for the remainder of the season. I just think it puts pressure on me to be a more consistent player and continue to make strides to becoming a great player the rest of the season."