Other Gopher Sports
Georgia Tech is a tough team to read. They played a difficult non-conference slate and headed into Atlantic Coast Conference play with a 5-5 record. The ACC is a notoriously weak volleyball conference, and the Yellow Jackets stormed through the league with only one loss, in the conference tournament final, to ninth-seeded Clemson. GT appears to have made an amazing run, winning 22 of their last 23 matches, however, they haven’t faced the rigors of Big Ten style play. Minnesota and Georgia Tech have quite a few common opponents this year. The Gophers went 5-3 against these teams while GT went 1-5.
The Yellow Jackets are known for employing a very quick offense. Such offense lives and dies by the setter and many attribute Tech’s slow start to the loss of last season’s 2nd team All-American setter, Kele Eveland. Eveland’s replacement, Lindsey Laband, stormed back from a slow start to claim All-ACC and All-Region honors after this season. She leads an offense that features many potent hitters that will try to give the Gopher defense fits. Lynette Moster is a three-time All-American who will seek to lead the Yellow Jackets to victory. The 5’10 senior outside hitter averages 5.33 kpg while hitting a sizzling .315. Her efficiency and power make her one of the toughest hitters from the East Coast. GT features another strong outside hitter in lanky 6’4 senior Lauren Sauer who averages 4.62 kpg. Three other options to watch for Georgia Tech are 6′ senior middle blocker Jayme Gergen, freshman middle blocker Ulrike Stegemann and 6’1 senior outside hitter Laura Kuhn.
In previous matches this season, Minnesota has relied on their experience to win a lot of close matches. Georgia Tech is loaded with seniors who have all had very successful careers, including a run to the NCAA Elite Eight last season. Additionally, GT has played Minnesota in the Sports Pavilion before, during 2002 NCAA play. The crowd will have to be especially loud to fluster the Jackets. The Gophers must play a strong team match to come away with a victory, however, the three amigos could hold the key to this match. Georgia Tech is going to get more than it’s fair share of hits past the Gopher block with their fast, effective offense. If the back-row patrollers of Paula Gentil, Lisa Reinhardt and Marci Peniata can keep the Yellow Jackets from getting easy kills, this match might not last very long. Georgia Tech has seen a lot this season, but they haven’t played a team that can dominate on defense like Minnesota. On offense, the Gophers need to continue their strong offensive run against GT. Middle blockers Jessica Byrnes and Meredith Nelson have picked up their hitting as the season has come towards the end, and they’ll both be needed tonight for a victory. I expect the Gophers to come out with a purpose and win the match in four games.
The opening match-up of Tennessee vs. Ohio State should also be a fun one to watch for those who want to hit the Sports Pavilion early. As mentioned many times on this site during the season, Buckeye senior outside hitter Stacey Gordon is the best player in the nation. Her stat-line is gaudy: 7 kills per game while hitting .359, and her defense and serving are amongst the best in the conference. Ohio State is a tough draw for the SEC Champion Volunteers who have yet to face a team with the power of the Buckeyes. Tennessee is probably the most balanced offensive team in the nation, and will have to keep making Ohio State guess where the sets are going to come out with a victory. Expect Stacey Gordon to be too much for the Vols, Ohio State in 4.
Minnesota and Georgia Tech square off tonight, Friday, in the Sports Pavilion. The match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start but it depends on the length of the Tennessee-Ohio State match. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.