Aug. 18, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. – For the second time this preseason, the South Carolina Gamecocks worked out in a scrimmage setting today, going through four sets in front of a group of students in the Volleyball Competition Facility.

The squads, divided evenly while swapping players for each set, showed their skills and drive during the 90-minute scrimmage. The student-athletes were working as hard as during a regular season match, with many diving on the floor to get digs and trying to chase down balls throughout the gym. Head coach Ben Somera was pleased with the results of the scrimmage.

“Tonight, everyone had their moments, but I felt Hannah (Lawing) and Bridget (Denson-Dorman) stretched their moments into longer periods of high-level play,” commented Somera. “I have a good idea of who is the nucleus of our team. We’re looking for those players who are going to bring those intangibles to the court and fill those supporting roles. We have enough people playing well. Over the next week, we need to get solidify a unit that plays well together.”

The Gamecocks, earlier picked to finish fourth in the Southeastern Conference’s Eastern Division, have 10 days left of training before they open the 2009 season at Clemson at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28.