Football After a week off, the football team is back in action this weekend against James Madison at Parsons Field at 12:30p.m. The Huskies are 1-4 this season, 0-1 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Northeastern is coming off a 28-10 loss to UC Davis Sept. 22, while the Dukes are coming off a 35-7 win over Villanova last Saturday. Senior captain Maurice Murray is on pace to pass Tim Gale (1999-03) for second place in rushing yards in NU history. Averaging 98.2 yards per game, Murray currently stands just 82 yards away from breaking the record. Senior linebacker AJ Lillie has been all over the field for the Huskies so far this season. He’s third on the team in tackles (25), leads the team in tackles for loss (4 for 18 yards) and is tied for the team lead in sacks (2.0). The team will also look to sophomore punter Ron Conway to continue his successful streak as he currently averages 39.8 yards per punt, including a 47-yarder at UC Davis, for fifth best in the CAA. The Dukes lead the all-time series between the two teams, 11-8. UC Davis won the last contest 52-14 in 2006. They also have a 6-3 edge at matchups held at Parsons Field. However, the Huskies have won seven of the last 12 meetings, and is the only team in the league with a 100 percent red zone conversion rate.
Volley The volleyball team takes on James Madison Friday at 6 p.m. and George Mason Sunday at 1 p.m. Both games will be played at Solomon Court, where they are 4-1 so far this season. The Huskies are 2-1 against CAA opponents this season and 10-10 overall. They are looking for their third consecutive win after road victories at Georgia State (3-1) and UNC Wilmington (3-1) last weekend. Junior outside hitter Lauren DeTurk leads the team with 264 kills this season and senior outside hitter Kira Batura is second with 217 kills. Sophomore libero Leah Neubeck is tied with Batura with 300 digs. The Huskies have faced the Dukes four times before, losing every match but always managing to sneak in at least one game win in a match. The last meeting was in 2006 when Northeastern suffered a 3-1 defeat.
Field Hockey After two non-conference games last week, the Huskies take Sweeney Field twice this weekend to continue play in the CAA. The team faces Delaware Friday and Towson Sunday, both at 2 p.m. Last year, the Huskies topped Delaware 5-0 at home, but lost to Towson 1-0 on the road. The Huskies are currently 4-6 on the season and 0-2 in CAA play. Northeastern is 1-1 at Sweeney Field so far this season. The Huskies will play two more games at home after this weekend before heading out on a two-game road trip.
Women’s Soccer The women’s soccer team sizes up against Old Dominion Friday at 6 p.m. and William ‘ Mary Sunday at 1 p.m. Both games will be played at Parsons Field. The games follow a pair of road losses suffered last weekend against George Mason (0-2) and Towson, (0-1). Plagued by persistent injuries, Northeastern sits at 2-6-1 (0-2 CAA) after finishing at 9-6-4 (5-3-4 CAA) last season. Junior forward Jenna Lucchesi expects to return to Boston in time to cheer on the the Huskies in Sunday’s matchup. Lucchesi is out for the season after suffering a compound leg fracture in the team’s loss to Towson and has been recovering at home in New York this the week. Old Dominion has the edge in its three meetings against NU, winning both matchups 2-1 last year but losing one to the red and black in 2005.
Swimming ‘ Diving The swimming and diving team opens its season when they take on rivals Boston College Friday at Barletta Natatorium at 6 p.m. The odds favor the Huskies, who have won their last eight season openers in a row, and beat BC in their only meeting last season.
Cross Country The men’s and women’s cross country teams will compete in the New England Championship at Franklin Park at 11 a.m. Friday. Senior Thomas Brown, who was named the CAA Runner of the Week Tuesday, will be among the Huskies competing.
– Compiled by Erika Carrubba, Maggie Cassidy and Danielle Ossher.
