"It's just going to be a slugfest," Virginia women's basketball coach Debbie Ryan said of tonight's game against in-state foe Virginia Tech at 7:30 at University Hall.
Although the season has just barely begun and March is still a long way off, the Cavaliers (3-2) do not plan on taking this non-conference game lightly.
"I grew up hating Virginia Tech, so I guess I take the game more personally than anyone else" Cavalier senior guard Telisha Quarles said. The 5-foot-8 Quarles has started at guard all five contests thus far and is ranked second on the team in points scored and steals. She averages 12.4 points per game.
Virginia Tech (3-1) will rest its hopes on the versatility of senior forward Sarah Hicks. Scoring an average of 18 points per game, Hicks leads the Hokies in field goals, free throws and three pointers.
"They're going to have a good, solid offense," Ryan said. Virginia Tech is also "going to come in and play very aggressive defense. They're always a strong defensive team."
The Cavaliers will look to freshmen forwards Brandi Teamer and LaTonya Blue to break through the Hokies' defense. Despite their youth, Teamer and Blue are a presence on the court. Teamer is a threat in the paint as she leads Virginia in both scoring and rebounding, with 12.8 points per game and 9.6 rebounds per game respectively. She recently was named ACC rookie of the week, earning the honor in part because of her double-double performances against Richmond on Nov. 19 and Liberty on Nov. 20. In addition, Teamer leads the ACC in double-double games.
Blue leads the Cavaliers in minutes played as well as free throws scored and is ranked second on the team in rebounding.
The Hokies have several young players as well, but they will benefit from a large group of veterans, including Hicks.
"It's just one of those games where you've just got to be on your toes the whole game because either way, a team can get up by a lot or go down a lot" Ryan said.
In the end, coaching may play a big part in who wins tonight's contest. "Bonnie Henrickson does a great job with them," Ryan said about Virginia Tech's head coach.
Ryan is an accomplished coach herself. She recently was chosen as the USA Basketball 2001 developmental coach of the year. Ryan led the United States to a gold medal finish and a 6-1 record in the 2001 World University Games. Under Ryan's leadership, the U.S. team set the World University Games record of scoring 13 three pointers in one game and tied the existing record of 25 blocked shots.
Back in Virginia, Ryan will have to coach a very different set of players to similar strengths if the Cavaliers hope to grab the win.
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