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Oct. 6, 2004
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – After seven consecutive matches away from the friendly confines of Memorial Gym, the Virginia volleyball team returns to its home floor for a pair of Atlantic Coast Conference matches this weekend. The Cavaliers, who last played at home on September 14, open the weekend of ACC play by hosting conference newcomer Miami on Friday (October 8) at 7:00 p.m. UVa will square off against Florida State at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday (October 9). Admission is free of charge.
On the season, Virginia stands at 12-4 overall and 2-2 in the ACC. The Cavaliers were 4-3, including 2-2 in ACC contests, during its seven matches on the road. UVa is a perfect 6-0 at home in Memorial Gym this season.
Virginia and Miami have never met in the sport of volleyball. The Hurricanes revived their intercollegiate volleyball program in 2001 after discontinuing it after the 1981 season. Miami stands at 6-5 on the season and is 2-2 in the ACC.
Florida State holds a 22-8 lead in the all-time series with the Cavaliers. The two teams split a pair of matches last season with both schools winning on their home court. The Seminoles are 8-6 overall and 1-3 in the ACC this season.
First-years Sarah Kirkwood (Tampa, Fla./Plant) and Melissa Caldwell (Houston, Texas/Elkins), along with second-year Emily Kirkwood (Tampa, Fla./Plant) rank among the NCAA Division I statistical leaders through matches played October 3. Sarah Kirkwood, an outside hitter, is 11th among all Division I players in kills with 5.36 per game (311 kills). Caldwell, a libero, ranks 18th in digs with an average of 5.52 per game (320 digs). Emily Kirkwood, a setter, is 27th in assists per game with an average of 12.90 (748 assists). Kirkwood is also hitting a team-best .292 and has recorded 24 service aces.
Second-year outside hitter Lindsay Osco (Houston, Texas/Elkins) is second on the team in kills (185) and digs (210) and is tied with Caldwell for second in service aces with 19. Fourth-year Alexis Geocaris (Wilmette, Ill./New Trier) leads UVa in blocks with 70 (1.25 per game) and is third with 176 kills.