Aug. 25, 2011
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By Eric DeSalvo
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF volleyball team will hit the court for the first time in 2011 when it hosts the Courtyard by Marriott/UCF Classic on Friday and Saturday. The round-robin tournament featuring Michigan State, North Florida and South Alabama begins at 11:00 a.m., Friday morning from The Venue at UCF as the Spartans take on the Ospreys.
The Knights kickoff their season at 1 p.m., against the Jaguars for their first of two matches on the day. The nightcap at 8:00 p.m. pits the Black and Gold against the Spartans.
UCF will return to the court Saturday evening to conclude the tournament against in-state rival UNF at 8 p.m.
The Knights own winning records against all three opponents, and an 11-1 mark all-time against the trio. The last time UCF and Michigan State met was in 1979 with the Knights coming away victorious. The Black and Gold is also a perfect 7-0 against South Alabama.
Returning to the court for the Knights in 2011 is a talented roster that helped the squad to its best record (16-16) since 2003, and most league wins (nine) since joining Conference USA in 2005. Setter Rachel Vukson (Oakville, Ontario) will be the team's lone senior and looks to build off of a successful junior campaign in which she averaged 10.01 assists per set.
Also returning to the fold for the Knights is sophomore outside hitter Angelica Crump (Atlanta, Ga.). The 2010 team leader in block solos (23) will aim to step in for graduated-junior Kristin Fisher. The talented sophomore ranked third on the team in kills (229) and kills per set (2.22) in 2010.
Every match from The Venue this weekend will be available to follow on Gametracker. Live video can be seen through All-Access for UCF matches only.
Season tickets for the 2011 season are available now for only $30, which includes 18 regular-season matches at The Venue at UCF and admission to three home tournaments. Also available for purchase this season is the UCF Gold Pass. For $75, the Gold Pass grants the avid Knights fan admission to all home volleyball, men's soccer, women's soccer, softball and track & field events.