Aug. 26, 2002

Columbia, S.C. – The 24th-ranked (Volleyball Magazine) South Carolina volleyball team will open the 2002 season on Fri., Aug. 30 as they face Oakland University in the Coca-Cola/Michigan State Volleyball Classic. The match is scheduled for a 5 p.m. start in Lansing, Mich. on the campus of Michigan State University. On Sat., Aug. 31 USC will face Georgetown at 8 a.m. then wrap up the tournament in a match against No. 15 Michigan State at 8 p.m.

The Gamecocks hold a 0-3 record against the teams competing in the tournament. This will mark the first meeting between USC and Oakland while this is the second meeting against the Georgetown Hoyas. The last time these two teams met was in 1979 when Georgetown defeated Carolina 2-0. The Spartans of Michigan State hold a 2-0 lead over USC with MSU last claiming a 3-0 victory in 1995.

The Gamecocks currently post perfect record in season openers under the reign of head coach Kim Christopher. USC is 9-0 in season openers and 57-21 in tournaments under Coach Christopher.

Matching up conference wise, USC is 4-11 against Big Ten schools, 7-8 against Big East schools and 0-0 against Mid-Continent schools.

USC returns home next weekend as they host the Carolina Classic, Sept. 6-7. Arizona State, Creighton and No. 12 Pacific will compete in the tournament.