Sept. 17, 2001
Tech Volleyball Returns to Action In O’Keefe Gym Hosting Three Conference Matches
After a full week of practice, the Georgia Tech (4-2) volleyball team returns to action for its first Atlantic Coast Conference matches this week, hosting matches against Duke, Florida State and Wake Forest. On Tuesday, the team will host Duke (8-0) at 7 p.m., while Florida State (1-4) will visit the Jackets on Saturday at 7 p.m., followed by a visit on Sunday from Wake Forest (5-2) at 5 p.m.
“This is an important week for us,” said head coach Shelton Collier. “All three of these teams return a number of starters from their teams last year, and its also important that we get off to a good start with our conference schedule.”
Tuesday’s match marks the 37th meeting between the Yellow Jackets and Duke, with the Blue Devils holding the edge, 25-11. Tech defeated the Blue Devils twice during the regular season, but Duke beat the Jackets in the semifinals of the ACC tournament.
“I think that our team is going to have to be ready to face Duke on Tuesday,” said Collier. “They are the team that eliminated us last year in the tournament and they have five starters back from that team.”
On Saturday night, Tech will host Florida State in a match which will be televised on a tape delayed basis on Fox Sports Net South on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. Tech holds the all-time series lead,15-5, but the two teams split the series last season, with each team winning on the other’s home court.
The final match of the homestand will be held on Sunday against the Demon Deacons. Tech swept Wake Forest in both meetings last season, and holds the series’ edge, 9-5. The Deacons return five starters to their team, including last year’s ACC player of the year, Trina Maso de Moya.
“I expect this weekend to be a real battle because Wake Forest and FSU both have many good returning players which will lead to real challenging matches for us,” said Collier. “Our team has also set our sights on winning each of these matches and having a successful opening home stand.”
“This week is important for us,” said Collier. “We have set the goal of winning the ACC this year, and in order to do that, conference wins on our home court are essential, so its very important for us to defend it this week and get off to a good start. We feel like we need to start the ACC season 3-0 to make the statement that we are one of the teams that is going to be a factor this year.”
