Aug. 22, 2005

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Gamecock volleyball team continues to show progress in their preseason training as they concluded their second week of practice last week. Sunday was an off day as head coach Nancy Somera had the team participate in drills and a scrimmage on Saturday.

“We have now completed two full weeks of practice and we are doing better on the skills we have been working on,” said Somera. “This week, we will shift our focus and begin working on other areas that need attention. We scrimmaged on Saturday and I saw better footwork and better positions. In the scrimmage, I could see the carryover of what we have been working on with them.”

The Gamecocks will continue with another two weeks of full practice before they begin their season on Friday, Sept. 2 at the Florida State Tournament in Tallahassee, Fla. USC will open against Pittsburgh then play FSU and Mercer.

“Everyone did a nice job in the scrimmage and we will continue to focus on areas to improve,” said Somera. “We looked a lot better defensively and we have been playing in transition better. That was good to see.”

With classes in full swing, the Gamecocks will practice everyday this week from 12:30-3:00 at the Volleyball Competition Facility.