Although the Virginia volleyball team may be struggling to find consistency in execution, focus and effort, one aspect of the program that will never falter is Memorial Gymnasium.
The Cavaliers played on their beloved home court from 1979 until 1998, when renovations began because of a hefty $1.5 million donation. Finally, in summer 2003, the team was treated to a upgraded court.
"It's nice to win in Mem," senior outside hitter and co-captain Lauren Dickson said.
And winning in Memorial Gymnasium is exactly what Virginia does.
The Cavaliers have a 66-25 home record since their return after the 2003 renovations. In the 2008 season finale, Virginia earned its 200th win overall in Memorial Gymnasium after overcoming Virginia Tech, 3-2.
Perhaps the greatest benefit enjoyed by the Cavaliers is the team's vocal crowd support on Grounds. The team owes a large portion of those 200-plus to its home fans, who create a loud and energetic setting. With the fans sitting only feet away, the players can build off their intensity, giving the squad an edge against visiting opponents.
"We have a supportive crowd," said junior libero A.J. Cushman. "We have such a great gym to play in; it's our home."
Not only do the fans sit close to the players, but they also know how to squeeze into the sometimes tight space.
In the 2008 season, the Cavaliers twice played in front of full capacity crowds, and the year before, the attendance record was broken the same number of times. This season, at the first match of the annual Marriott Cavalier Invitational, it was standing room only to watch the Cavaliers defeat in-state rival Virginia Tech.
"We had a packed house, and [the fans] were certainly significant difference-makers in their ability to create energy for us and create a hostile environment for the Hokies," Virginia coach Lee Maes said.
Maes' Cavaliers have a 5-3 record at home this season. The victories include those en route to being named Jefferson Cup Champions, and the aforementioned win against Virginia Tech. And just last Friday, the squad swept ACC opponent N.C. State to improve its conference record this season to 2-1.
Certainly, it seems the Cavaliers are comfortable and familiar with every aspect of their home court.
"We play here, we practice here and we know everything about the dimensions," Cushman said, noting that this familiarity translates to game-time success.
Virginia's conference record in Memorial Gymnasium, meanwhile, is almost certain to improve with six home ACC games still left to play. The Cavaliers are looking to find a physical game consistency and hope to grab as many of those six games as possible in front of supportive home fans.
Virginia's next chance to play in Charlottesville will be Friday and Saturday, when it hosts conference rivals Clemson and Georgia Tech, respectively.
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