July 27, 2006
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
University of Maryland head volleyball coach Janice Kruger announced that the Hilton Garden Inn Greenbelt will serve as sponsor of Maryland's 2006 volleyball tournament in College Park. Maryland starts fall practice on August 11th, before opening at home on September 15th as host to Long Island, Florida International and UCLA in the Hilton Garden Inn Greenbelt Invitational.
"We're excited to host this tournament and bring top caliber teams to College Park," said Kruger. "We enjoy the challenge of playing these non-conference opponents in tournament competition. It helps us prepare for the 2006 season and gauge our team nationally."
The Terrapins return four starters and seven letterwinners from the 2005 team that posted a 28-5 overall record (18-4 ACC), finishing as ACC co-champions, reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the third-consecutive year. Junior All-ACC second team member Jade Brown and ACC All-freshman team selection Maggie Schmelzle will lead the Terps this season.
For the Terps, it will be their first-ever meeting with the Bruins, and the second with the Blackbirds and the Golden Panthers.
In 2005, UCLA recorded a 20-11 season and finished 15th on the USA Today/AVCA poll after falling to top-ranked Nebraska in the NCAA regionals and returns five starters. Northeast Conference Champion Long Island returns two starters from their winning squad after a 26-14 year, while FIU held a 15-13 record in the Sun Belt Conference.
Following the three season-opening tournaments, the Terps play 22 regular-season Atlantic Coast Conference contests facing each conference opponent at home and away.
All Hilton Garden Inn Greenbelt Invitational matches will be at the Comcast Center Pavilion. Admission and parking are free.
Hilton Garden Inn Greenbelt Invitational
Friday, September 15
UCLA vs Florida International 5 p.m.
Maryland vs Long Island 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 16
Maryland vs Florida International 11 a.m.
UCLA vs Long Island 1 p.m.
Lond Island vs Florida International 5:30 p.m.
Maryland vs UCLA 7:30 p.m.
