Sept. 28, 2004

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Gamecock volleyball team continues their homestand this week as they host the 20th-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at the Volleyball Competition Facility. The Gamecocks are coming off of a 1-1 weekend and are 8-3 overall. Tennessee went 2-0 in conference play and is 12-1 overall. This marks the 43rd meeting between the two teams and the Gamecocks have a slight 22-20 lead in the series.

“Tennessee is a very good team that is experienced and well coached. They return all of their starters and were a good team last year,” said head coach Kim Hudson. “We are excited about the opportunity to host another top 25 team.”

Tennessee has earned their ranking by defeating then ranked No. 18 Loyola Marymount, No. 24 Purdue and No. 15 Louisville. The Lady Vols have also recorded victories over two opponents the Gamecocks faced earlier in the season as well, Duke and Wake Forest. Tennessee’s single loss was a 3-1 bout to Michigan back on Sept. 18. The Lady Vols are one of three teams in the SEC that have not yet suffered a conference loss and are tied for first in the conference.

Last year, the Gamecocks surrendered a four-match win streak to Tennessee and lost back-to-back matches to the Lady Vols for the first time since 1993. Leading the way for the Tennessee is this week’s SEC Player of the Week Kristen Andre. Andre posted 20 kills over No. 15 Louisville and for the week hit .422.

Last week the Gamecocks were led by Shonda Cole in kills with 29 as she averaged 2.83 kills per game. Junior middle blocker Lauren Ford led the team in blocks with 12 and averaged 2.00 blocks per/game in addition to recording 20 kills for the weekend.

Fans are encouraged to bring their business card to the match for $1 admission.