Upstate Announces 2011 Volleyball Schedule
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The USC Upstate volleyball team and head coach Jennifer Calloway released the 2011 volleyball schedule today with 13 Atlantic Sun Conference games on the docket, including seven home contests.
The Spartans open the season with three road tournaments, traveling to Virginia Aug. 26-27, Radford Sept. 2-3 and Air Force Sept. 9-10. Upstate opens home play at the Hodge Center, hosting a tournament Sept. 16-17.
"Our nonconference schedule will be a challenge, but it is an essential part of our preparation before we dive into A-Sun competition," Calloway said. "Our seniors have pushed harder, both mentally and physically, this summer than in years past and we are excited to put the other pieces together."
Upstate hits the road again Sept. 20, kicking off the conference season at ETSU, before traveling to Nashville, Tenn., to face Lipscomb Sept. 30 and Belmont Oct. 1. The squad breaks up the three A-Sun road games, hosting its non-conference opponent Gardner-Webb Sept. 27.
After leaving Music City, the Spartans return to the Hodge Center for their first home A-Sun contests against North Florida Oct. 7 and Jacksonville Oct. 8. They wrap up the six conference game stretch in the Sunshine State, taking on Florida Gulf Coast Oct. 14 and Stetson Oct. 15. The team finishes its Florida road trip at Bethune-Cookman Oct. 16.
The Spartans are welcomed home with a four-game stint, hosting in-state rival S.C. State Oct. 19, conference foes Kennesaw State and Mercer Oct. 21 and 22, respectively and Presbyterian Oct. 25. They close out their road schedule at Kennesaw State Oct. 29 and N.C. Central Nov. 2.
Upstate concludes the regular season with a three-game homestand of the season as the team squares off with a trio of Atlantic Sun opponents. The Spartans host ETSU Nov. 5, Belmont Nov. 11 and Lipscomb Nov. 12.
The 2011 A-Sun Volleyball Championship will be Nov. 17-19 at Lipscomb's Allen Arena in Nashville, Tenn.