Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is poised to capture the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) Tournament Championship, entering with a record of 20-9 and a fourth seed in the tournament. The Colonels, who have secured back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in nearly two decades, will face No. 5 Jacksonville in their opening match on Thursday. Historically, EKU has performed well against Jacksonville, boasting a 6-1 record in head-to-head matchups. The tournament, hosted by Florida Gulf Coast University, represents a significant opportunity for EKU to extend its successful season.

By the Numbers
  • EKU finished the regular season with a record of 20-9 (11-5 ASUN).
  • Sarah Mitchell has averaged 4.38 kills and boasts a .370 attack percentage over her last four matches.
  • EKU leads the ASUN in kills per set (13.65) and assists per set (12.79).
Yes, But

Despite EKU's strong season, rival teams pose challenges: Jacksonville is on a recent upswing and has proven competitive in the conference, making any match unpredictable. Additionally, the Colonels have only recently regained prominence in the tournament landscape, meaning pressure could mount in high-stakes play.

State of Play
  • The Colonels are entering the ASUN Tournament with momentum from a successful regular season.
  • Jacksonville recently ended a three-match winning streak, indicating potential vulnerabilities.
What's Next

Should EKU advance beyond Jacksonville, they will need to maintain their offensive effectiveness and capitalize on their strong defensive statistics to navigate deeper into the tournament, potentially facing tougher opponents.

Bottom Line

With a chance to reclaim their championship status, the Colonels must harness their experience and consistency to navigate the ASUN Tournament. Their path remains challenging, but their recent history and statistics provide a strong foundation for success.