After reporting to campus Aug. 7, the Chattanooga Mocs volleyball team wraps up its final week of preseason practice this weekend. It hosts the Country Inns & Suites Invitational next weekend, August 24 and 25, in Maclellan Gym.
The Mocs have Monday off as classes get underway on campus, but Head Coach Travis Filar and the 2012 squad are back on the court Tuesday in preparation for the upcoming season.
Although tabbed to finish tied for 5th in the Southern Conference North Division, with Western Carolina garnering 27 votes, UTC returns eight letterwinners and six starters to the hardwood. The first class of Filar-staff recruits also hit the court as five freshmen begin their collegiate careers at Chattanooga.
"We were in a lot of matches last year within SoCon play," Filar said. "We just couldn't finish sets. I think we understand the urgency to get to 25 before our opponents. I believe we are going to surprise people with our movements, the speed of our movements and we're going to be more efficient in chaotic situations."
Leading up to the Country Inns & Suites Invitational to open serve on the 2012 campaign, GoMocs.com will release a series of features looking into each position until the Mocs' first offering of the season.
- Liberos/Setters- Monday, August 20
- Outside Hitters- Tuesday, August 21
- Right-Side Hitters and Middle Blockers - Wednesday, August 22
- Country Inns & Suites Preview- Thursday, August 23
The first match of the Country Inns & Suites Invitational is at 4 p.m., on August 24. Tennessee Tech takes on USC- Upstate prior to the Mocs opening their season at 7 p.m., against Alcorn State.
