ATLANTA – The Georgia State volleyball team heads to Indianapolis, Ind. for the IUPUI Hampton Inn Invitational Friday and Saturday
Information on the IUPUI Hampton Inn Invitational can be found at the tournament central website (link).
GSU is coming off of a 1-2 showing at the Benson Hospitality Bulldog Invitational last weekend at Georgia. The Panthers opened up the season with a 3-0 win over Troy but dropped a 3-1 decision to Georgia Southern on Saturday and fell to Georgia 3-0 on Sunday.
“Defensively we did a good job and as we improve, we'll be able to shut teams down,” said head coach Tami Audia. “Our two setters did a really nice job of making smart choices and distributed the ball well. While our setters have made good decisions, their location needs to improve. We also have a few timing issues that will improve as we continue through the season.”
Freshman Sydney Hunsley leads GSU offensively with 21 kills on the season. The Panthers' lone senior, Jamiee Freeman, is second in kills with 17 on the year.
“Sydney (Hunsley) is definitely an attacker,” said Audia. “Not only does she have great size but she is fast and she has a very good volleyball IQ. She knows what shots are available and when to take chances. She's going to continue to improve and get stronger. She is one of the most competitive girls on the team and that's really exciting for me.”
Junior Emily Averbeck leads the Panther defense with 50 digs in three matches and freshman Eliza Zachary has proven to be a force on the net with nine blocks. Sophomore Andrea Book is second in blocking with seven rejections this season.
“Eliza (Zachary) has a really good idea of how to block,” said Audia. “She is lightning fast and it's exciting to see her improving.”
Opponents
Friday's opponent, Ball State, is 2-2 on the season after dropping a 3-1 decision at IPFW Tuesday. The Cardinals boast a high-powered offense with Kara Bates leading the way with 53 kills on the season.
“Ball State is coming off a second-round NCAA tournament appearance,” said Audia. “They were ranked 32nd last season and they will be a big test for us.”
Saturday GSU faces IUPUI in the morning match. The Jaguars are 3-1 on the season having won two straight. IUPUI's Moriah Fair leads the team with 49 kills while setter, Alexis Meeks, has posted 71 assists thus far this season.
“IUPUI is always solid and they play defense well,” said Audia. “Our girls will have to be prepared to attack and quickly recover because of IUPUI's defense.”
North Texas will be the Panthers' final opponent at the IUPUI Invitational Saturday. The Mean Green hold a perfect 5-0 record after earning a 3-2 win over UT-Arlington Tuesday night. North Texas is led offensively by Courtney Windham with 63 kills and Tamura Shelby anchors the Mean Green back line with 90 digs.
“North Texas is a future Sun Belt opponent and just like Troy, we want to show them who Georgia State is,” said Audia.
Upcoming Events
GSU will open the home portion of the 2012 schedule September 7 as the Panthers host the annual GSU Invitational. Mercer will face South Alabama in the tournament opener Friday at 5 p.m. with GSU taking on Samford in the nightcap at 7 p.m. The tournament concludes with four games on Saturday with Samford taking on South Alabama at 11 a.m. followed by GSU and Mercer at 1 p.m. Mercer and Samford meet up at 5 p.m. with GSU facing USA in the tournament finale at 7 p.m. on Saturday September 8. Admission is free.
