March 2, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina volleyball team put together a successful first weekend of spring action, winning all eight sets during their trip to Duke on Saturday.

“The difference for us was that we only lost one starter,” said South Carolina head coach Ben Somera. “The continuity of having our three main passers back allowed us to run our offenses in system most of the day. When we were not in system, we did a good job of creating an in-rhythm attack. The amount of time that our players have invested in open play, especially doubles, has showed its benefits.”

The Gamecocks took two sets each from Navy, 25-10 and 25-16, and the host Blue Devils, 26-24 and 25-20, during the morning session.

“Defensively, we looked pretty solid,” commented Somera, “and we were able to play well in the rallies so we didn’t have to rely on an aggressive service game.”

After a break for lunch, South Carolina came back and had a tough time in the first set against William & Mary, 31-29, before dispatching the Tribe in the second set, 25-18. The squad finished the day’s sweep with wins over UNC Greensboro, 25-15 and 25-19.

“It was great to have everyone play this weekend,” added Somera. “Our redshirts from last year got to play some, which was good for them.”

The Gamecocks continue their spring work this week before spring break on the Columbia campus.