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Freshman Emily Rottman has had an impressive start to her freshman volleyball campaign. Being named the ACC Freshman of the Week following the season opening weekend, Rottman has started every match as an outside hitter for the Cavaliers and is ranked third on the team in kills and second in digs. She recorded her second collegiate double-double over the weekend, a 10 kill, 17 dig performance against George Washington, helping the Cavaliers to their third-straight Holiday Inn Jefferson Cup tournament title.

This week, Rottman will return to her home state of California as Virginia faces No. 25 San Diego, No. 8 USC and No. 23 Long Beach State. All matches are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. ET.

Question: You’ve had an impressive start to your freshman campaign. How do you feel you’ve adapted to the collegiate game so far?
Rottman: I feel that I have adapted well to many aspects of the college game, but there are still so many things I need to work on and adjust to. There is definitely still a lot to learn!

Question: What has been the hardest thing to adjust to?
Rottman: Making the transition from high school to college volleyball wasn’t easy. The speed of the game is much faster and everyone on the court is much smarter, so you always have to be aware of what is happening on the court at all times.

Question: Being from California, how or why did you decide to come to Virginia?
Rottman: I always wanted to leave California and experience something new. Virginia offers the best combination of academics and athletics, so it was an easy decision for me.

Question: How excited are you to return to California to play next weekend? Will you have a lot of friends and family at the matches?
Rottman: I could not be more excited to play in California. My entire family as well as many friends will be in the stands cheering us on, which will be great.

Question: Your dad played volleyball for USC. What colors will he be wearing on Friday?
Rottman: My dad is a huge USC fan, but now he is an even bigger Virginia fan! He will be decked out in his orange and blue on Friday.

Question: How were you introduced to volleyball?
Rottman: Both of my parents played volleyball when they were younger, so it was only natural that I picked it up. Growing up, I would play all the time with my dad and my sisters, and then I eventually started playing on club teams.

Question: What has kept you playing over the years?
Rottman: Volleyball has become my passion over the years. It is so much fun playing with a team and working hard to reach a goal together. I love how it is such a fast paced game and how excited everyone gets after a big play.

Question: As an outside hitter, you have the ability to impact the team offensively and defensively. If you had to pick, would you prefer to have a big kill or a big dig?
Rottman: There is nothing better than digging someone’s hard hit and everyone screaming in excitement. Getting a big kill is pretty amazing too, though!

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