Aug. 12, 2003

Columbia, S.C. –
Lacking in strength of schedule will not be a factor for South Carolina volleyball in 2003 as the American Volleyball Coaches Association, in conjunction with USA Today, released their preseason volleyball top 25 poll on Monday. Although the Gamecocks were not ranked on the current list, six of their opponents are listed in the poll, including No. 1 Southern California.

Three of Carolina’s 2003 opponents are among the top 10. In addition to USC, Florida is ranked No. 3 and Northern Iowa is No. 8. The Gamecocks first two matches of the season are Northern Iowa and USC. Carolina opens against Northern Iowa on Aug. 29 and plays USC on Aug. 30, both at the USC Tournament.

Carolina will host No. 25 Michigan State in the Gamecocks first home match of the season on Sept. 5 in the Carolina Classic. Also in the Classic is No. 20 North Carolina. The Gamecocks are scheduled to play the Tar Heels on Sept. 7. No. 14 Santa Clara will play in the Gamecock Invitational on Sept. 18.

“This year’s schedule was designed to prepare us for conference play and give us the opportunity to compete against the best in the country,” said head coach Kim Hudson Christopher. “I am so excited about hosting such great teams and giving our community exposure to some of the best volleyball in the country.”

All home volleyball matches will be held at the Volleyball Competition Facility on the corner of Blossom and Assembly streets.