Get ready for a thrilling volleyball showdown! The Marquette Golden Eagles are gearing up for a pivotal Big East battle, and it's not just about the standings.
A Tournament-Shaping Matchup:
Marquette's upcoming game against Xavier is more than just a regular season fixture. With Xavier sitting at #33 in the RPI, a win for Marquette would be their best victory of the season, surpassing their previous triumph over Florida. But here's where it gets intriguing: Xavier is currently ahead of Marquette in the rankings, making this a true test of the Golden Eagles' mettle.
The Big Picture:
This game has significant implications for the NCAA tournament. With four non-Marquette teams in the top 60 of the RPI and none in the top 140, every win matters. And with three teams below 200, the Golden Eagles can't afford to slip up.
A Crucial Conference Clash:
Both Marquette and Xavier are 5-1 in the league, with their only losses coming against Creighton. A win for Marquette at home could be a huge step towards securing a strong position in the Big East. And with the regular season finale against Xavier in Cincinnati, a win now could set the tone for a potential season sweep.
But First, Butler:
Before facing Xavier, Marquette mustn't overlook Butler. Despite Butler's 1-5 Big East record, they've shown glimpses of potential. With notable players like Alaleh Tolliver and Kaylee Finnegan, Butler can't be taken lightly. Marquette needs to be cautious, especially after dropping sets to teams with a combined 12-26 record.
Xavier's Strengths and Weaknesses:
Xavier's top offensive weapon, Emma Grace, averages 3.42 kills per set. However, their lack of quality wins is notable. Their closest is a five-set victory over Villanova, currently at #52 in the RPI. Xavier's only other top 100 wins are against UConn and Eastern Kentucky, both at home.
Marquette's Strategy:
Margo Kemp and McKinley Boehm, both averaging over a block per set, will be key players for Marquette. Kemp's all-around game, combining blocks and kills, makes her a threat. Marquette must also be wary of Xavier's setter, Macy Hatkevich, who's quietly effective despite her stats.
The Butler Challenge:
Marquette has a 22-9 all-time record against Butler and is on a seven-match winning streak. But Butler's Alaleh Tolliver is a force to be reckoned with, ranking third in the Big East for kills. The Golden Eagles must maintain focus and not let their recent success against Butler lead to complacency.
Controversial Take:
Some might argue that Marquette should prioritize the Xavier game, given its potential impact on the Big East and NCAA tournament standings. But is it wise to underestimate Butler? Could a win against Xavier lead to overconfidence against Butler? What do you think? Is it better to focus on one game at a time, or should Marquette strategize with the bigger picture in mind?
Match Details:
- Marquette vs. Xavier Musketeers
- Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
- Time: 7 pm Central
- Venue: Al McGuire Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Streaming: ESPN+ (link in the original text)
- Live Stats: Stat Broadcast (link in the original text)
- Social Updates: Twitter and Bluesky (links in the original text)
- Marquette vs. Butler Bulldogs
- Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Time: 6 pm Central
- Venue: Al McGuire Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Streaming: ESPN+ (link in the original text)
- Live Stats: Stat Broadcast (link in the original text)
- Twitter Updates: @MarquetteVB (link in the original text)
Let the volleyball action commence! Will Marquette soar to new heights, or will their opponents spoil the party? Share your predictions and join the volleyball frenzy!
