Follow @RadfordVB

Site: Fairfax, Va.  |  Recreation Athletic Complex
Series vs. Temple: 0-2
Series vs. George Mason: 1-5
Series vs. Princeton: First meeting
Live Video: Link
Live Stats: Link
Twitter: @RadfordVB  |  @RUGameDay
Fan Page: Link

RADFORD, Va. – After an impressive five-set victory over CSU Bakersfield, Radford takes its 3-1 record to Fairfax, Va. for the Patriot Invitational. Radford first faces Temple on Friday, and then plays George Mason and Princeton on Saturday.
 
SCOUTING THE OWLS
Senior Gabriella Matautia and sophomore Sandra Sydlik, who were named to the all-tournament team at the University at Buffalo Invite, lead the Owls (1-1). Matautia recorded 29 kills in her two appearances in New York, including 21 kills and 17 digs against Niagara. Sydlik tallied 40 assists to go with 13 digs and three blocks against the Purple Eagles.
 
Matautia leads the Owls with 3.62 kills per set. Sophomore libero Alyssa Drachslin leads in digs with 3.50 per set, while junior middle blocker Jennifer Iacobini is the blocks leader with 1.12 per set. The match also allows the Highlanders to battle against former RU standout Emily Carlin.
 
SCOUTING THE PATRIOTS
Coming off a four-set victory against UMBC, George Mason stands at 1-3 on the season entering its home tournament. RU and the Patriots met in last year's Crowne Plaza Philadelphia West Penn Invitational, with the Highlanders sweeping George Mason (25-17, 25-17, 25-15).
 
SCOUTING THE TIGERS
The Patriot Invitational will be the Tigers' first action of the fall. Princeton returns all but one starter from a squad that finished at 12-12 overall and 9-5 in the Ivy League last year.
 
SCOUTING THE HIGHLANDERS
Cheyanne James remains the top offensive weapon for Radford averaging 2.94 kills per set, which ranks sixth in the Big South. Jena Braden heads the assist department with 112 helpers in four matches. Emma Deininger has a team-high 21 blocks, which tops the league.
 
Led by Deininger, Radford's blocking continues to be the dominant factor in matches. So far this year, the Highlanders have out-blocked their opponents 75-26. In addition, they rank first in the Big South in hitting percentage (.275) and second in blocks per game (2.68).
 
ROOKIE REWARD
After being selected the Crons Brand Big South Freshman of the Week, Jordan Watson continued to impress with her attacking ability. The Pilot, Va. native matched her season high of 15 kills in leading RU to a thrilling five-set triumph over CSU Bakersfield. She ranks second on the team in kills per set (2.73) and blocks per set (1.20).
 
RECORD WATCH
A number of current Highlanders are making a mark on the program's record books. Wiechecki is only four kills away from tying Tiffany Guthrie for ninth place on the all-time kills list at Radford. The junior is already sixth in kills per set (2.65) and eighth in aces (72). Braden is fifth all-time in the assists' category with 1,151.
 
Defensively, Deininger (214) and senior Jesse Miedema (153) are fourth and 10th, respectively, in total blocks. In addition, Deininger is fourth in block assists (191), while Miedema is seventh (143).
 
UP NEXT
After the Patriot Invitational, Radford returns home to host the James Madison Dukes at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
 
FOLLOWING THE HIGHLANDERS
Get the latest scoop on Radford volleyball through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In addition, live stats and live video are available for Wednesday's contest. For further updates throughout the match, follow @RUGameDay and @RadfordVB on Twitter.