Injuries are never good for a team at any point during the season. They are especially detrimental when they occur right before the heart of the conference season.
This is the problem the women's volleyball team faces right now. Heading into a five-game home stand that includes matches against arch-rival Virginia Tech and two-time defending ACC champion Maryland, Virginia currently has three injured players on its roster. Sophomore Katie Oakes and freshman Shannon Davis did not play last week and are not expected to play this weekend. In addition, senior Kristin Chaney is out for the year.
"We're kind of taking every day as it comes," junior Emily Perilli said. "We try to be as positive as possible and not wonder whether they'll play or not."
The players -- particularly the starters -- are improving their play in the absence of their injured teammates. Friday, the Cavaliers defeated N.C. State, 3-0, before falling to North Carolina, 3-0, Saturday.
Perilli, whose playing time has increased as a result of her teammates' injuries, played particularly well against N.C. State with a .353 hitting percentage, a season-high nine kills and three blocks, as well as eight digs, two assists and an ace.
"The starters who aren't hurt are definitely stepping it up to make up for the injuries," Perilli said.
The Cavalier starters have to continue their solid play as their conference schedule gets underway. Virginia plays every team twice in its 22-game ACC schedule, a format Virginia coach Melissa Shelton said she favors.
"It's definitely the fair way to do it," she said. "And by the end of the season, we'll have a clear champion because there are no lopsided schedules."
Shelton said she also likes the timing of the five-game home-stand, especially for the academic needs of the players.
"Especially around midterm time, it's a huge stress reducer when girls can actually go to class instead of having to make up work," she said.
Perilli also is a fan of the conference schedule format.
"The last two ACC Championships were won by Maryland, and they played terribly during the regular season," Perilli said. "This way you can see who the real champion is."
The schedule also provides teams with the opportunity to avenge early-season losses.
"You get a chance to go back and beat up on teams that you lost to," Perilli said.
Maryland will be a true test for the Cavaliers this weekend. With a 12-0 record, the Terrapins are a legitimate contender and will provide stiff competition for Virginia Saturday at 5 p.m. in Memorial Gymnasium. Virginia also plays Boston College Friday at 7 p.m.
Next week, Virginia will take on in-state rival Virginia Tech in a match that has gained importance with the inaugural Commonwealth Challenge between the two schools. The game is scheduled for Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.
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