Blue volleyball hosts familiar foes

Michigan hoping to avenge last year's NCAA tournament loss to Texas A&M

By Andy Latack

Daily Sports Writer

The Michigan volleyball team is no stranger to tough competition at this time of year. In fact, coach Greg Giovanazzi purposely schedules difficult early-season opponents in order to get his team ready for the grueling conference season.

But this year, many of the Wolverines' opponents are viewing the games the same way - as some pretty tough competition.

After sweeping its foes at last weekend's Georgetown Acumen Classic, Michigan (3-0) has started its season with three straight victories for the first time since 1992, Giovanazzi's inaugural season.

And, after the leading the team to a best-ever third-place finish in the Big Ten last season - and guiding them to the second round of the NCAA tournament - the coach continues to challenge his team at the beginning of this season.

JOHN KRAFT/Daily Anne Poglits (18) is tall, but the Michigan volleyball team has a tall order ahead of itself this weekend. The Wolverines face North Carolina before a rematch with Texas A&M, which knocked Michigan out of the NCAA tournament last year.

One of those tests will begin tomorrow, as the Wolverines host some stiff competition at this weekend's All Sport Challenge, held at Cliff Keen Arena. Two of the teams, North Carolina and Texas A&M, were on Michigan's slate last year, and know how tough the up-and-coming Wolverines can be.

Michigan will open the tournament by hosting Bowling Green at 3 p.m. tomorrow. The Falcons are coming off consecutive wins over Boston College and Marquette, boosting their season record to 4-1.

"We haven't played Bowling Green in a while, but they're always a good defensive team," Giovanazzi said. "They're going to get after every ball."

Michigan plays again tomorrow, hosting an evening match against North Carolina (3-1). The Wolverines are familiar with the Tarheels, having closed out last year's non-conference slate with a five-set victory in Chapel Hill.

"North Carolina is a quality program," Giovanazzi said. "We found that out when we played them last year."

At the top of this weekend's list of combatants is 20th-ranked Texas A&M (3-1), whom Michigan meets Saturday evening following an afternoon matchup with Louisiana State.

Michigan also played Texas A&M last year, but in a considerably more crucial part of the season. The Aggies ended the Wolverines' NCAA tournament run, saddling them with a 3-0 loss in the second round.

"Texas A&M is in the top 20, so they're obviously a good squad," Giovanazzi said. "They've got four solid starters returning, and they'll be a tough test for us."

As if the competition weren't fierce enough, the Wolverines will also be tested by their own endurance. All teams are slated to play four games in the two-day tournament - afternoon contests at 3 p.m. and evening matchups at 8 p.m. - a format that exceeds the standard two-day, three-game setup favored by most weekend tournaments.

"Playing four games in two days is a pretty tall order," Giovanazzi said. "By the fourth match on Saturday night, we'll be using our bench a lot more. There will definitely be a freer substitution policy."

09-10-98