Volleyball Starts SEC Play at Home Against Auburn and Georgia

Sept. 13, 2007

COLUMBIA, S.C. –

South Carolina opens its 2007 Southeastern Conference schedule with a pair of home matches against Auburn and Georgia this weekend in the Volleyball Competition Facility. The Gamecocks take on the Tigers at 7 p.m. on Friday night, while the Bulldogs will provide Sunday’s opposition, with match time set for 1:30 p.m. The Garnet and Black took home the 2007 Gamecock Nike Invitational title last weekend and ride a four-match winning streak into this weekend’s play. The Tigers from the plains hold an 8-3 mark on the season but enter Friday’s match after a humbling 17-30, 22-30, 15-30 loss to Texas A&M at the UTSA Classic. The Aggies moved into the CSTV/AVCA Coaches Poll in the 25th spot after the victory. Georgia, who, like South Carolina, is under new leadership this fall, holds a 9-1 record prior to its confrontation at No. 6 Florida to open the SEC season. The Dogs downed Wofford in non-conference action on Tuesday.

ALL-TIME VERSUS AUBURN: The Gamecocks hold a 16-6 record against the Tigers all-time, but it has been a while since the Orange and Blue have been in the win column against South Carolina. The Garnet and Black have captured 14 consecutive matches against the conference foe, dating back to 1996.

ALL-TIME VERSUS GEORGIA: The series between the Bulldogs and Gamecocks has been one of streaks, with Georgia getting the better end with a 38-14 record over this weekend’s hosts. Since the first three meetings, only once has a team had a streak of less than three straight wins, with the exception coming in the 2000 SEC Tournament, when Georgia took a five-game victory over South Carolina. That loss is sandwiched by a three- and four-match winning skeins for the Garnet and Black. The Gamecocks swept the season series in 2006, taking both matches, 3-0.

NEW ERA, FAMILIAR FACE: Ben Somera is the new head coach of South Carolina, taking over after his wife, Nancy, stepped down to pursue a business opportunity. Ben’s squad has gotten off to a nice start for the former associate head coach from 2005-06 with a 7-2 record thus far.

2007 ALUMNI WEEKEND: South Carolina is hosting its Alumni Weekend over Sept. 14-16. Several former Gamecocks will be introduced between games two and three of the Auburn match on Friday, which starts at 7 p.m. in the Volleyball Competition Facility.

Complete notes are available in the PDF linked above.