Oct. 24, 2006

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Flyer volleyball looks to continue its winning ways this week as it travels to face Xavier on Thursday (7 p.m. ET) and Rhode Island on Sunday (1 p.m. ET) in Atlantic 10 West Division action. Gametracker will be avilable for Thursday's match at www.DaytonFlyers.com.

One of the key pieces to Dayton's 10-match winning streak has been the steady play of sophomore outside hitter Nicole Bateman. The Columbus, Ind. native is second on the team in both kills and digs this season.

DaytonFlyers.com sat down with Nicole heading into a crucial weekend for a UD team that needs just one more win to clinch a spot in the 2006 Atlantic 10 Volleyball Championships scheduled for its own Frericks Center, November 17-19.

DF.com: You have recorded a team-high 12 double-doubles this season including each of the last two matches. Do you make an effort to contribute both offensively and defensively?

NB:Yes, I make an effort to be strong in both areas of my game. I would say I focus more on the defensive end just because it takes a little more mental toughness to do that right. I know my team counts on me a lot for digging and passing balls and not so much to put balls away on offense. I get kills when I am supposed to but my main purpose is to set up our dominate hitters and keep the ball off the ground.

DF.com: Is it your goal to have a double-double in each match. What other goals do you have?

NB:At first my goal was to have a double-double each time out because I didn't know that was a stat people took notice of. After I figured out that was going to happen a lot because I do not ever come out I started to make more specific goals for each match. I usually pick two areas of my game that I want to have exceptional stats in by the end of the match. For example, We played Saint Louis last Friday night. My goals were to force the other team to track me where ever I went on offense and to pass over a 2.3 on serve reception. I passed a 2.41 and by game two I could hear them calling out my every move. I went for 20 kills that night so my goal of being a serious threat was accomplished.

DF.com: You rank second on the team in both kills and digs this season. Is there a part of the game that you enjoy more than the other?

NB:I enjoy getting kills more just because there is more excitement and it's the most fun part of volleyball outside of getting a solo block. However, I pride myself more in digs. I always want to have more digs than kills but sometimes teams don't hit to me in middle back so it really depends on the other team's offense. I definitely get angrier with myself if I miss a dig versus making a hitting error.

DF.com: The team has won 10 in a row and is 9-0 in conference play this season. Do you feel as if you have hit your stride?

NB:I feel we are playing very confidently right now. We have earned that right by playing well and winning conference matches that we should (which is all of them). We have enough talent to win the A-10 Tournament and make it deep into the NCAA Tournament. We just have to bring it every time we get on the court!

DF.com: The week begins on the road against rival Xavier. Does playing a local rival help to keep the team focused during a long winning streak?

NB:I think it is a good team to play right now. It will prove that even though we are not at home and their fans are yelling at us, we will overcome adversity. We are going to be prepared for them and good teams do not let outside factors affect their team strategy. Xavier will compete and have lots of energy but I believe that we are stable both emotionally and in our play, which should give us an advantage.