University of North Texas Athletics
Friday, October 12
Denton, TX
7:00 PM
University of North Texas
vs
Louisiana Tech
UNT Ends Homestand vs. LA Tech, Travels to Rice
10/11/2018 1:13:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
DENTON – With sophomore outside hitter and 2017 Conference USA co-Freshman of the Year Barbara Teakell back in the mix after being sidelined since early September, the North Texas volleyball team prepares to host Louisiana Tech Friday before traveling to C-USA leader Rice on Sunday.
"I missed being on the court with my teammates most," Teakell said. "Being on the court is a totally different atmosphere. I was overwhelmed with excitement to be able to play again."
After Teakell went down with a lower-leg injury against Idaho on Sept. 2, she missed the next 12 contests. Teakell made a triumphant return last weekend, averaging 3.67 kills per set, along with a career-high three assists against Charlotte and a career-high four blocks against Florida Atlantic.
"I came in with the mindset to just do the best I could for my teammates and make a positive impact on the court," Teakell said.
"She definitely added a threat on offense," York said. "I also think she will relieve some pressure from Val, because now teams can't plan against only her. I'm excited to see continuation of big numbers from her."
Her performances over the weekend were an encouraging precursor for the team's matchup with Rice (14-4, 5-0 C-USA), who Teakell recorded career-highs in kills (21) and digs (18) against in a four-set win last season. She looks to channel not only her own energy from that victory, but the team's as well.
"I loved the competitive atmosphere we had against them last year and hope we can achieve that same type of energy," Teakell said.
On Friday, the Mean Green (7-14, 3-2 C-USA) have a shot at their fifth-straight season sweep of LA Tech (6-14, 1-4 C-USA) after topping the Lady Techsters in five sets in Ruston on Sept. 21.
The win was a turning point defensively for UNT with four players in double-digits for digs and 17.5 blocks as a team, the most in a match since Nov. 22, 2013.
"We're looking to carry over that aggressive defense and keep ourselves in plays longer," York said.
In that win, York became the sixth setter in program history to reach 3,000 assists and will likely pass Daniella Grimaldo for fifth on the all-time assists leaderboard Friday.
York is also on the cusp of passing Jessica Brown for the 10th-most digs in school history, which would make her only the third player to rank in the top 10 for both (Amy Henard, Kristin Sheppard).
"It's very exciting but only makes me wish I had a little bit longer with the program," York said.
"I missed being on the court with my teammates most," Teakell said. "Being on the court is a totally different atmosphere. I was overwhelmed with excitement to be able to play again."
After Teakell went down with a lower-leg injury against Idaho on Sept. 2, she missed the next 12 contests. Teakell made a triumphant return last weekend, averaging 3.67 kills per set, along with a career-high three assists against Charlotte and a career-high four blocks against Florida Atlantic.
"I came in with the mindset to just do the best I could for my teammates and make a positive impact on the court," Teakell said.
"She definitely added a threat on offense," York said. "I also think she will relieve some pressure from Val, because now teams can't plan against only her. I'm excited to see continuation of big numbers from her."
Her performances over the weekend were an encouraging precursor for the team's matchup with Rice (14-4, 5-0 C-USA), who Teakell recorded career-highs in kills (21) and digs (18) against in a four-set win last season. She looks to channel not only her own energy from that victory, but the team's as well.
"I loved the competitive atmosphere we had against them last year and hope we can achieve that same type of energy," Teakell said.
On Friday, the Mean Green (7-14, 3-2 C-USA) have a shot at their fifth-straight season sweep of LA Tech (6-14, 1-4 C-USA) after topping the Lady Techsters in five sets in Ruston on Sept. 21.
The win was a turning point defensively for UNT with four players in double-digits for digs and 17.5 blocks as a team, the most in a match since Nov. 22, 2013.
"We're looking to carry over that aggressive defense and keep ourselves in plays longer," York said.
In that win, York became the sixth setter in program history to reach 3,000 assists and will likely pass Daniella Grimaldo for fifth on the all-time assists leaderboard Friday.
York is also on the cusp of passing Jessica Brown for the 10th-most digs in school history, which would make her only the third player to rank in the top 10 for both (Amy Henard, Kristin Sheppard).
"It's very exciting but only makes me wish I had a little bit longer with the program," York said.
Players Mentioned
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