Aug. 15, 2004

Columbia, S.C. –
South Carolina volleyball season is underway and the 2004 team reported on Monday and have already completed five full days of two-a-days practice. The Gamecocks will continue to go through preseason training and team building exercises throughout the week.

“The first day of practice was really good. The girls came back in good shape and are ready to get back to work,” said head coach Kim Hudson. “The newcomers have also been doing a great job as well. They are fitting in perfectly.”

After coming off of a 12-18 season, the veteran players returned in the off-season for conditioning and spring practice. The efforts are appearing to have paid off for the intense workouts of two-a-day practices.

“Overall I am encouraged that the girls continued to work really hard over the summer to get in shape. It was a good starting point from where we left off in the spring,” said Hudson. “It is nice to see the returners more focused and determined.”

The team will practice a few more two-a-day sessions before beginning their regular practice schedule later in the week.

The Gamecocks open the season on the road in Winston-Salem, N.C., when they compete in the Wake Forest Tournament Sept. 3-4. The Garnet and Black will face the host school on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. USC’s first home match of the season will be Tuesday, Sept. 7 when the Gamecocks host Clemson at the Colonial Center. Match time is set for 7 p.m.