Volleyball releases 2009 schedule By ETHAN LANNOM Contributing Writer
File photo by Alex Blackwelder Photo illustration by Chris Carter, production manager
Although the Blue Raiders’ volleyball team were ousted in the second round of last year’s NCAA tournament, its spirits are high for the upcoming 2009 season. The team is looking to move up this year with a particularly tough host of opponents. MT w ill face nine teams that participated in the 2008 NCA A tournament, including f ive that ended the season w ith an R PI of below 25. This bev y of foes consists of the Universit y of Northern Iowa, Universit y of Washington, Universit y of A laba ma-Bi r m i ng ha m, Saint Louis Universit y, Ohio Universit y, R ice Universit y and the Universit y at A lbany. “Top to bottom, I believe we have one of the top schedules in the country,” said head coach Matt Peck. “I imagine we are going to have a good season.” The Blue Raiders will face schools from 10 different conferences. With
this difficult schedule, Peck looks to not just strengthen his own team’s resume but the entire Sun Belt Conference’s as well. “Top to bottom, there are always competitive matches inside the conference, especially on the road,” Peck said. “I think our continued success will inf luence the strength of the Sun Belt even more.” Even with all the strong opposition in the impending season, one match resonates in Peck’s mind. “We played our worst match last year against Ohio,” Peck said. “We want a chance to redeem ourselves. “We have them coming into our gym this time, [and] in the back of our minds, we want to get them back in the same way they defeated us.” Peck is referring to the 3-0 loss the Blue Raiders suffered at the hands of Ohio last year on Sept. 18, 2008. It will be pivotal for MT to get off to a good start to the 2009 campaign. The team will kick off the season with seven matches at Alumni Memorial Gym. It will end the season-opening home stand with the retribution match against Ohio. On his team’s beginning home stretch, Peck said, “I think it’s going to be a good couple of weekends. “We need to be tested early; it’s what makes your team better.” After the grueling home stand, MT will participate in tournaments in Miami and San Antonio, Texas in the middle of September. They will go on to face UAB in Birmingham, Ala. before starting their Sun Belt Conference section of the schedule against Western Kentucky University at Alumni Memorial Gym on Sept. 25. Although the Blue Raiders face a
difficult climb, Peck said he is not perturbed. “Last year, I think we could have fared better if not for Ashley Adams graduating early and going on to law school,” Peck said. “She was a two-time All-American and an integral part of our team. “This year, I’m very optimistic. I could see us getting to the Sweet Sixteen at least and possibly making a deep run in the NCAA tournament.” After the regular season, the team will head to the Sun Belt Volleyball Championships. This year it will be hosted by Western Kentucky and will take place from Nov. 19 until 21. The Blue Raiders’ final match before the NCAA tournament will be at St. Louis on Nov. 28.
To see the 2009 MTSU Volleyball schedule, check out page 5