Volleyball Heads to South Alabama For Four Matches This Weekend

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville volleyball team makes its longest trip of the season this weekend when the Bulldogs take part in the 2010 Jaguar Classic at South Alabama.

Julie Torbett's team will play four matches in the tournament with two on Friday and two on Saturday. Asheville takes on Southeast Louisiana on Friday at 1 p.m. and then battles the host, South Alabama at 7 p.m. On Saturday, the Bulldogs face SWAC champion Alabama A&M at 11 a.m. and Alabama State at 3 p.m.

Asheville opened the season last weekend and went 1-2 at the Coca-Cola Challenge at James Madison. The Bulldogs lost to Davidson and James Madison before rallying to defeat Stetson, 3-1. Senior outside hitter Kelsey Benorden enjoyed a solid weekend and earned all-tournament honors with her play. Junior outside hitter Cindi Miller tied a career-high with 22 kills in the win over the Hatters.

"We played a little better as the tournament went on but obviously we can play better," stated Torbett. "This will be a good tournament for us against four solid teams. Right now we just want to improve with each match."

The Bulldogs have played three of the teams before but not very much. Asheville played Alabama A&M and Alabama State three years ago and won each match in three games. Torbett's team hosted South Alabama in a tournament at Asheville back in 2000 with the Lady Jaguars winning in five games. Friday's meeting with Southeast Louisiana will be the first ever meeting between the programs.

"We're not too familiar with any of the teams we're going to play," admitted Torbett. "However, we just need to play well and go from there."