With an 8-1 record, the Virginia volleyball team should be full of confidence as the start of the ACC season approaches. However, the Cavaliers say they are not fully satisfied with their performance. Virginia's first ACC match will take place next Friday night at Wake Forest, but first the Cavaliers must play three quality opponents at the Inn Towner Invitational in Madison, Wis.
The Cavaliers want to use the games against the University of Wisconsin, University of Cincinnati and Marshall University to iron out flaws that have been exposed in the early season. Virginia's defense is an area that coach Melissa Aldrich Shelton said needs improvement.
"We're going to work on defense more, work on blocking some more and keep trying to get there with our middles," Shelton said. "Hopefully we will have an injured player or two back."
Shelton is likely referring to junior outside hitter Kristin Chaney. Chaney, a team co-captain, has been sidelined with an ankle injury for the past week.
"We're facing two really strong teams, Wisconsin and Cincinnati," senior co-captain Alexis Geocaris said. "Marshall is the third team and they are doing really well so far. So it will definitely be a test to see where we are. We know we're good but it will tell us whether or not we are a great team."
The Cavaliers won on Tuesday night against Towson, but said they were disappointed with their play.
We were "complacent because we've had so much success," Shelton said. "I think people were quick to point the finger and blame other people when things aren't going right instead of looking in the mirror. But we're getting there. We're rolling with it. We're young and have a tough weekend coming up."
Geocaris thinks that a key for Virginia's success is focus.
"We just need to stay on our toes and keep on top of what [our opponents] are doing," she said.
The Cavaliers' weekend starts tonight with a matchup against the University of Wisconsin Badgers (3-2). Wisconsin's first victory of the year came against Georgia Tech, a team the Cavaliers will play twice this season.
Tomorrow morning the Cavaliers face off against the Cincinnati Bearcats (5-2), followed by an evening game with the Marshall Herd (4-3). The Herd lost to Wake Forest earlier in the season, so this game could provide Virginia with a glimpse of how they stack up against the Demon Deacons.
Freshman outside hitter Sarah Kirkwood has emerged as the main offensive weapon employed by the Cavaliers.
"We've got a lot of tough teams this weekend," Kirkwood said. "We've got an opportunity to really show what we can do. I'm hoping that we come out 3-0."
Virginia's stellar 8-1 record has provided the Cavaliers with the chance to have a special season. The team is young, but looks to have all the tools necessary for success in the ACC. This weekend's games could prove crucial to the team's development and should provide insight into how well the Cavaliers are capable of playing throughout the rest of the season.
Read More
Seven Cavaliers, one recruit selected in 2025 MLB Draft
By Emory Huffman | 23 hours agoThe draft process went swimmingly for Virginia.
From debilitating illness to Grand Slam main draw: Chris Rodesch’s story
By Margaret Piatos | YesterdayChris Rodesch's torrid run has been an inspiring summer story.
Virginia reloads with a new leader, an emphasis on fundamentals and … bowling?
By Xander Tilock | July 10, 2025The new leader of Virginia men's basketball, and some players, offered an inside look at offseason plans.
