After sweeping the Days Inn JMU Invitational Aug. 29 to 30, Virginia’s volleyball team dropped two of three matches in the Denver Pioneer Invitational this past weekend. The Cavaliers will look to bounce back from these losses when they host the Marriott Jefferson Cup this weekend. The team will start with in-state rival VCU Friday, then take on Binghamton and Appalachian State Saturday.
Despite the close 2-3 loss to Iowa (25-15, 25-20 21-25, 21-25, 9-15) and the disappointing final results in Denver, a few aspects of the performances by the Cavaliers (4-2) shone brightly. Junior outside hitter Lauren Dickson posted two double-doubles, including 17 kills and 20 digs in the match against Iowa.
“We played pretty well but could have come away with more wins than we did,” Dickson said. “I think we’ll learn from it and just get better from here on out.”
VCU comes to Charlottesville with a 3-3 record, including two matches against ACC teams; the Rams swept N.C. State Aug. 29 but were hammered by Maryland in a 0-3 loss the next day. Binghamton, meanwhile, brings in a 3-4 record including a narrow defeat against Syracuse. Appalachian State has struggled thus far, only able to eke out one win in its first seven games.
Another compelling factor in the weekend’s tournament is that Appalachian State is coached by Matt Ginipro, an assistant coach and recruiter for the Cavaliers from 2001 through spring 2007.
“I’m excited,” Dickson said. “We’ll get to compete against him and that will be fun.”
Players and coaches have expressed how enthusiastic they are about playing at home after two weekends of road tournaments.
“It’s always nice to have a home tournament,” Dickson said.
The games this weekend be the first played with home-court advantage for the freshmen, including outside hitter Simone Asque.
“It marks the beginning of my collegiate career at home,” Asque said. “Even if I don’t play, I still warmed up and was part of the team, so it’ll be special.”
Virginia coach Lee Maes was not shy in expressing his desire to have fans packing the stands of Mem Gym.
“That’s what we’re looking for; we’re trying to get the whole ‘Hoo nation out and make it one of those more intimidating environments to play in,” he said. “We’re extremely excited about ... creating a loud environment that will get all of our opponents to the point where they know that it’s not just about six people they’re competing against. They’re competing against hundreds of people.”
Maes also noted his satisfaction with the players’ continued hard work. When asked if the work ethic has been good, Maes responded “No question.”
“The attitude has been phenomenal,” he said. “The effort’s been phenomenal, the level of communication’s been phenomenal.”
Following this weekend’s tournament, the Cavaliers head to Chicago to play in the Northwestern Tournament Sept. 19 to 20, Virginia’s last tournament before the conference schedule begins and the Cavaliers begin working toward their ultimate goal of winning the ACC Championship.
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