Dec. 1, 2002

COLUMBIA, S.C. – For the sixth time in eight years, the Gamecocks will be competing in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament as South Carolina (21-6, 14-2 SEC) will take on American (28-10, 11-3 Big South) in the first round in Chapel Hill, N.C on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. Carolina is 2-0 all-time against American, with their last meeting occuring in 1996.

“It’s great to be in the playoffs,” commented Carolina Head Coach Kim Christopher. “We are disappointed that we didin’t get to host, but at the same time we are excited to get a chance to get to go on the road and play in our third straight NCAA Tournament. We are going to treat this as a new season adn tomorroow we will start preparing for American. Our goal is to get through Chapel Hill to get to the final 16.”

The other Chapel Hill regional match-up, the 14th ranked-North Carolina Tar Heels (30-3, 15-1 ACC) will face the Big South Champion Winthrop Eagles (28-10, 11-3). First round matches will be held on Thursday, Dec. 5, with the winners squaring off in the second round on Friday, Dec. 6.

In 2001, South Carolina traveled to Chapel Hill and faced the host Tar Heels in the first round of the NCAA Tournament before falling 3-1. South Carolina is 5-10 all-time against North Carolina and is 13-5 all-time against Winthrop.

Ticket information will be announced Monday afternoon.