Tonight the Virginia volleyball team will play host to the Miami Hurricanes in Memorial Gym in its third ACC match of the season.
Both teams saw action last night with Virginia hosting Florida State and Miami taking on the Hokies in Blacksburg.
Tonight's match will wrap up the Cavaliers' (6-4, 1-0 ACC) three-game homestand that saw them easily beat instate rival Virginia Tech last Friday in their ACC opener. Miami (6-4, 0-1 ACC) lost its ACC opener at home last Friday to Florida State.
The Cavaliers, who were ranked third in the ACC preseason poll, are focused on not overlooking the Hurricanes, who were ranked just 10th in the ACC preseason poll.
"It's a team that we have to beat, especially at home," Virginia coach Melissa Aldrich Shelton said.
Senior middle hitter and preseason All-ACC selection Katie Oakes agreed that it was important for Virginia to win at home.
"Defending our home court is so important for us," Oakes said. "Mem Gym is so tough to play in.It's hot, the fans are close and it makes it easier for us when we go on the road to win at home."
A strong record at home, especially against weaker teams, will be vital to the Cavaliers résumé when it's time for the NCAA Tournament in December. The Cavaliers know that the teams who can't take care of business at home are often left on the outside looking in.
The Cavaliers appear to have the edge: they swept the home and home series with the Hurricanes last year and have two Preseason All-ACC players in Oakes and fellow senior Sarah Kirkwood. Miami has one preseason All-ACC player, senior Ciara Michel.
Beyond their advantages on paper, Virginia believes they match up well against Miami.
"Our strengths in serving and blocking really help against a team like Miami," Shelton said. "We are hoping to take them out of their game from the first ball."
To win, Virginia will need to overcome Miami's prowess in the service area. The Hurricanes will feature freshman Katie Gallagher and sophomore Cassie Loessberg, ranked one and two respectively in the ACC in aces per game.
Virginia will look to senior libero Melissa Caldwell, who is third in career digs at Virginia, to combat Miami's powerful serves. Caldwell needs just 11 more digs to move into second place.
Matchups aside, the Cavaliers' top priority will be playing the match on their terms.
"That's what we did in the preseason and against Virginia Tech, and we got some victories," Oakes said.
Shelton said control of the match, and, in turn, a victory, would come from teamwork.
"We need to pass well so that we can use all of our hitters," Shelton said. "When we pass well, it sets up one-on-one situations with our hitter and their blocker, and that is the situation we want"
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