Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Travel To Atlanta For Season-Opening Tournament
8/27/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 27, 2003
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EVANSTON, Ill. - After weeks of practice, Northwestern's women's volleyball team opens the 2003 season Friday and Saturday, Aug. 29-30, at the Georgia Tech Courtyard by Marriott Classic in Atlanta. Northwestern will face host Georgia Tech, Alabama, and Coastal Carolina in the tournament, which will be held at O'Keefe Gymnasium.
Since returning the campus in early August, the Wildcats have worked hard in preparation for what is one of the nation's toughest schedules. Northwestern held the last of three scrimmages last Saturday, and the coaching staff feels good about its chances entering competition.
"I am pleased with the course of our preseason," said associate head coach Josh Grau. "Practices have been pretty intense and competitive, especially our three scrimmages, but it is always exciting to finally face outside competition."
Northwestern returns five starters from last season's team, including All-America candidate Erika Lange. With a wealth of experience returning to the court, the 'Cats expect great things again in 2003. In addition to the veterans coming back for another season, three newcomers are battling for playing time.
In their first match of the season, the 'Cats face one of the toughest teams in the country when they take on 12th-ranked Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets return every player from the 2002 squad which advanced to the NCAA Tournament after constructing a school-best record of 33-6 and winning the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. NU's match against the Ramblin' Wreck is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday.
"Georgia Tech has been on the fast track the last few seasons," said Grau. "In fact, I see a lot of similarities in our programs. This should be a great match to gauge where we are after three weeks of preseason."
The Wildcats, in their second match of the tournament, will take on the Crimson Tide of Alabama. The Tide, much like Northwestern, returns five starters from their 2002 team. Alabama finished last season ranked third in the Southeastern Conference Western Division and had a record of 19-15. NU will take on the Crimson Tide at 1 p.m. Saturday.
"Alabama has consistently been one of the top teams in the SEC West," said Grau. "They will be a great test for us coming off the Georgia Tech match."
To conclude its tournament run, Northwestern will face Coastal Carolina Saturday at 4 p.m. After finishing second in the Big South Conference in 2002, the Chanticleers have high expectations for this season.
"Coastal Carolina plays tough and is a program that has NCAA Tournament experience in its recent history," said Grau. "We will have to bring our 'A' game and be focused throughout the match."
