Duke Closes Out Home Schedule with FSU, Notre Dame

DURHAM, N.C. – The Duke volleyball team wraps up the home portion of its 2014 schedule this weekend, welcoming No. 3 Florida State and Notre Dame to Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils face the undefeated Seminoles Thursday at 6:30 p.m., then take on the Irish Sunday at 1 p.m.

This past weekend, Duke (18-6, 10-3 ACC) dropped a tough, five-set decision to Pitt Friday before rebounding with a sweep at Syracuse Sunday. The Blue Devils are currently tied for third in the ACC standings.

The Blue Devils boast one of the nation's top offenses as Duke leads the ACC and ranks second nationally in both kills per set and assists per set.

Outside hitters Emily Sklar and Jeme Obeime present a formidable tandem that averages 7.40 kills per set. Sklar's 4.12 kills per set average ranks third in the ACC, while Obeime is one of just two ACC players to average over 3.00 kills per set while also hitting over .300.

Setter Kelsey Williams has helped guide the offense and leads the ACC with an average of 11.61 assists per frame.

On defense, libero Sasha Karelov has anchored the Blue Devils. Duke is tops in the conference in digs per set, thanks in large part to Karelov's ACC-leading 5.41 digs per set average.

One of three undefeated teams in the country, Florida State (24-0, 12-0 ACC) presents a formidable challenge. Outside hitter Nicole Walch leads the FSU offense, averaging 4.02 kills per set. Defensively, libero Katie Mosher picks up 4.22 digs per set, while middle blocker Sarah Burrington is among the league leaders in blocks.

Thursday's match is the first and only meeting between Duke and Florida State this season. The Blue Devils hold a 36-15 advantage in the all-time series. Last season, the two teams split a home-and-home series with each squad defending its home court.

Notre Dame (6-18, 3-10 ACC) travels to Wake Forest Friday prior to Sunday's matchup in Durham. Middle blocker Jeni Houser and outside hitter Nicole Smith pace the Irish with 233 and 212 kills, respectively.

Duke and Notre Dame square off for the 10th time in program history and second time this season Sunday. The Blue Devils are in search of their second victory over the Irish in 2014 after Duke won, 3-1, at Notre Dame Oct. 5. Sklar led all players with 18 kills while Obeime added 15 in the win.

ESPN3 will broadcast both matches this weekend. Fans can also follow the action through live stats on GoDuke.com

Duke hits the road for its final three regular season matches. The Blue Devils travel to Louisville (Nov. 21), North Carolina (Nov. 26) and NC State (Nov. 29).

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