After a grueling tournament last weekend, Syracuse is set for another demanding weekend.

The Orange (1-5) played four matches in two days at the Candlewood Suites Invitational last weekend, and has three matches in two days this weekend in the Candlewood Suites Challenge. On Friday, SU will host Saint Peter’s at noon and Delaware State at 7 p.m. and Chicago State on Saturday at 11:30 a.m.

Winning only one match last weekend means changes should be expected in the lineup. One major position that may be monitored is how to split playing time between the two setters, freshman Erica Handley and junior Bailey Humes.

For now, Handley has the upper hand.

“As it is now,” head coach Leonid Yelin said, “Bailey is not the starter.”

If last weekend is any indication, it seems that it is Handley’s job to lose. In the first match she was subbed out frequently with Humes, but she dominated playing time in the final three matches and racked up 112 assists.

“It depends on how we are doing each game,” Handley said. “But coming out also gives me a mental break to refocus and work on the things I need to do.”

Yelin makes sure to instruct them during practice and games so each player knows how to improve.

“In the games when Erica needs more teaching,” Yelin said, “that’s when Bailey comes on the floor.”

Another major time-split that emerged this weekend was that of sophomore Silvi Uattara and senior Samantha Clarey at outside hitter.

Uattara was first on the team in kills in 2012, but she’s struggled on the defensive end and was benched by Yelin over the weekend.

Clarey fills those voids. She’s a strong server and adept on the defensive end.

“She’s the kind of kid that can cover almost any position,” Yelin said. “She is very unselfish.”

The Orange struggled to find rhythm throughout the weekend. SU would look great for one set, then struggle in another.

Clarey, though, said her frequent substitutions in games don’t affect her.

“I don’t think it takes me out of rhythm,” Clarey said. “Coach always tells us to stay mentally tough.”

In this weekend’s upcoming tournament, Yelin could utilize her as a starter with regular starter Lindsey McCabe injured and questionable to play.

With only two middle blockers on the whole team, Clarey’s versatility may be key this weekend.

She also figures to assume the role that has thrust itself upon her: being a major part of the back line. Uattara will likely return to her regular playing time after a rough weekend, but the injury to McCabe might be another door opened for Clarey to earn a starting spot.

With more stout competition in Syracuse’s second home competition, Clarey will be thrown right into the thick should she start. Her role will be as important as ever.

“They are going to be some stronger competition,” Handley said, “but I’m sure we will be able to handle them if we just keep working in practice.”

Published on September 11, 2013 at 11:33 pm

Contact Eric: esriter@syr.edu