Lynn University to take on two Nationally Ranked Teams - SEE IT LIVE - Webcast

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Lynn University's volleyball team hosts a pair of nationally ranked teams as it opens Sunshine State Conference play this weekend. The Fighting Knights take on No. 21 Eckerd on Friday before battling fifth-ranked Tampa on Saturday.

WATCH LIVE - Both matches are set for 7 p.m. starts and fans can follow the action live by CLICKING HERE. Then click on the game you want to see.

Receiving votes in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll for the third straight week, the Blue and White (9-2) play in the friendly confines of the de Hoernle Center for the first time this year. Lynn is 16-6 at home the past two seasons.

Four Knights average at least a pair of kills per set, led by outside hitter Katie Bradley's 3.13 a frame. Fellow outside Kala Abdell chips in 2.74 kps while right side Chelsey Semprini adds 2.22 kps and middle blocker Haley Pratt is good for 2.08 kps.

Defensively, libero Lacy Redwine paces the back row with 5.11 digs per set, second best in the SSC. Bradley and Devon Woolard each add 2.69 dps.

Up front, the Knights tally nearly two blocks a set and are led by Pratt's 0.97 a frame. Sophie Gagnon is also solid at the net with 0.79 bps while Semprini is just behind at 0.78 bps.

Eckerd (6-3) comes to Boca at No. 21 in the AVCA poll, its highest ranking in program history. The Tritons are 0-3 against the Blue and White in the de Hoernle Center against head coach Lynze Roos and have not won a set in any of the three losses.

Lydee Benoit leads the EC attack with 3.52 kills per set and is one of four players averaging more than two kills a stanza. Defensively, Allegra Shaw posts a solid 1.14 blocks per set while Hallie Ward and Benoit are both good for at least three digs a frame.

Fifth-ranked Tampa (9-1) is undefeated all-time against the Knights but the last few wins have not come easy. Each of the last three Spartan victories came in five set affairs.

Tampa is led by the one-two punch of defending SSC Player of the Year Melissa Vanderhall (3.41 kps) and freshman Jessica Yingling (3.21 kps). Defensively, both Danielle Selkridge (1.06 bps) and Camille Hanks (1.03 bps) are threats at the net.