Volleyball at Wake Forest, Duke
9/29/2010 8:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 29, 2010
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland volleyball team takes to the road this weekend for Atlantic Coast Conference matches at Wake Forest and Duke Thursday and Friday, respectively.
The Terrapins (11-4, 2-1 ACC) are looking to improve upon their best start under third-year head coach Tim Horsmon. Maryland will open the weekend series at 7 p.m., on Thursday against the Demon Deacons before traveling across Tobacco Road to face the Blue Devils Friday at 7 p.m. Horsmon's squad defeated Boston College at home in the ACC opener before splitting matches with North Carolina and NC State last weekend.
Maryland's strong net-attack, which ranks fifth in the ACC in hitting percentage, is led by freshman Mary Cushman (169 kills) and junior Lisa Scott (.339). Scott also ranks sixth in school history with 62 block solos and is on pace to threaten the school's all-time mark of 97. As a team, the Terps rank first in the conference in service aces, landing 1.61 per set. Freshman Sarah Harper is sixth in the ACC with 19 aces in only 54 sets.
Wake Forest (9-4, 2-1 ACC) is led by sophomore Andrea Beck who earned ACC Player of the Week honors for her performances against Charlotte, Clemson and Georgia Tech. In three matches, Beck hit .392 with 35 kills and 13 total blocks as the Demon Deacons went 3-0 on the week. Against Wake Forest, the Terps currently hold a 21-16 advantage, though they lost both games against the Demon Deacons in 2009.
Duke (11-2, 3-0 ACC) is also off to a hot start; the Blue Devils are in sole possession of first place in the ACC as they are the only undefeated team in conference play. After sweeping Wake Forest in their home opener, the Blue Devils defeated Georgia Tech and Clemson on the road. Last season, Duke swept the Terps; overall, the Terps trail in the all-time series, 24-37.
Following the Terps' second ACC road trip in as many weeks, Maryland will return home to College Park to face off against the Virginia Tech Hokies on October 8 at 7 p.m.
