This Week in The Cassell – Hokies Face Tough Road Tests at Miami, FSU

Last week:

     On Friday, the Hokies travelled to Charlottesville for the first conference matchup of the season, against rival UVA.  Tech jumped out to a 1-0 lead, but quickly found themselves in a hole, trailing 1-2 going into the fourth set.  Tied at 17, the Hokies took control of the fourth set with three straight kills and went on to win 25-20.  Tech carried the momentum into the fifth set, completing the comeback and holding on for a 15-13 win, the Hokies’ first win versus UVA in Charlottesville in 18 years.  Redshirt sophomore Jennifer Wiker lead Tech with a career high 21 kills in the win.  On Saturday, Tech downed Townson University 3-0 behind a 7 kill, 10 block performance from freshman Victoria Hamsher and a game high 11 kills from junior Justine Record.

Up next: 

     With the non-conference schedule behind them, the Hokies turn their attention to the ACC for the final 19 regular season games.  Despite the hot start, two-thirds of Tech’s schedule remains in front of them.  Up first is a tough road trip to Florida to visit two of the conference’s top teams in Florida State and Miami.  The Hokies will play in Coral Gables Friday night where last season they defeated the Hurricanes on the road for the first time ever.  Miami made the NCAA Tournament last season after finishing fifth in the conference, and have played well so far in 2010, posting a 10-2 record.  The Canes two losses come against #13 Florida State and Oklahoma, and they have a quality win over Middle Tennessee State on the road.  Miami is led this season by 5’11” All-American honorable mention outside hitter Lane Carico (3.33 kills/set) and 6’0” middle blocker Ariell Cooke (0.88 blocks/set).  Miami isn’t particularly tall, but they hit well and don’t make a lot of mistakes.  On Sunday, the Hokies will face #13 Florida State in Tallahassee.  Like the Hokies, the Seminoles were swept 3-0 by Tennessee, and also have a 3-0 loss to #3 Florida.  The Noles are tall and talented, and the Hokies will have to have a strong, balanced attack to escape Tallahassee with a win.

     Of note: Sophomore Cara Baarendse and senior Felicia Willoughby rank 25th and 27th in the nation, respectively, in hitting percentage.  Only Duke’s Christiana Gray ranks higher in the ACC.