In the past few years, Virginia and Virginia Tech have become more intense rivals in nearly every sport, including volleyball. This rivalry has only been hastened by Tech's move to the ACC. This weekend, the volleyball team continues the rivalry as it kicks off the quest for the 2006-2007 Commonwealth Challenge title. Virginia (7-2) will travel to Blacksburg Friday night to take on the Hokies (6-3) in their first ACC match of the season. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Cassell Coliseum.
The Hokies enter the match coming off a 3-0 weekend at home, resulting in the Hokie Fall Invitational title.
The Cavalier offense will have to come out swinging against Tech's junior libero Amanda Cloyd, who is third in the ACC in digs this season with 175.
"They are playing really well," Shelton said. "Their defensive numbers are good. We're expecting a lot of long rallies."
However, if last weekend's statistics are any indication, the Cavalier offense, notably Sarah Kirkwood, is up to the challenge. Last weekend, Kirkwood tallied three double-doubles and led Virginia in kills to earn Co-ACC Player of the Week honors. In fact, Kirkwood has recorded double-doubles in kills and digs for five matches straight and seven total this season. In addition, Katie Oakes has also returned to full strength, leading Virginia in hitting percentage on the season at .295.
It is not only Virginia's offense that will be tested but its defense as well. Tech freshman Taylor Parrish is eighth in the ACC in kills (125) and is averaging 3.57 kills per game. Parrish knocked down 50 kills last weekend to earn her second tournament MVP title.
"They have a really strong freshman outside hitter," Shelton said. "Obviously we haven't seen her play live. We're just trying to take care of their strengths."
Clearly, the Hokies will present a whole new slate of challenges to the Cavaliers. To be victorious, Virginia will have to step up on all fronts: defense, offense and serving.
Sarah Kirkwood again leads the team on the serving front, having recorded a service ace in 22 straight matches dating back to last season.
"We're trying to focus in on our strengths: our ball control, and passing and our serving," Shelton said.
Virginia swept the season series last year winning in both Charlottesville and Blacksburg. The Cavaliers lead the all-time series 26-20, with Virginia taking the past four match-ups. Virginia will have to overcome Tech's home-court advantage -- they are 9-13 all time at Cassell Coliseum. However, they have won three out of the last four in Blacksburg.
This also marks the first non-tournament match of the season. With only one opponent to concentrate on, it is simpler for Virginia coach Melissa Shelton and her staff to prepare the team.
"It's almost an easier preparation from a coaching standpoint," Shelton said. "We're doing the same thing in terms of timing and introducing Virginia Tech to the team."
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