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| 2013 GW women's volleyball team |
The George Washington women's volleyball team opens their 2013 season this Friday night, hosting the University of Maryland in the first round of the GW/Nike Invitational. 2013 has the makings of a very special year: For the first time in 22 years, the Colonials will host the A10 tournament at the conclusion of the regular season.
Third-year head coach Amanda Ault will have a healthy mix of new & old to shape into championship contenders. GW has seven returning players and seven newcomers, including sophomore transfer Jordan Timmer. Timmer, who played in 16 contests for Central Michigan last year takes over as GW's starting setter. The former Chippewa will have plenty of big hitters to get the ball to, led by junior Kelsey Newman (2nd on team with 290 kills) and senior Rachel Goss: A healthy Goss would go a long way towards a tournament run.
Senior Jamie Armstrong returns to anchor the middle: Armstrong led GW with 80 blocks last season, and finished third on the team in kills (173.) Look for junior transfer Gabrial Rushton to make an impact as well: Rushton accounted for 143 blocks and 131 kills at Hutchinson Community College in 2012. Also keep an eye on 6'0 freshman Chidima Osuchukwu.
The back line must find a way to replace Candace Silva-Martin, who graduated after setting a conference record for digs (2,126.) Sophomore Maddy Doyle looks ready to go, after playing in 26 games last season; and she'll get help from senior Jessica Burr, who returns after missing all of last season due to injury. Freshmen Natalie Leger and Tyler Ockleberry were both MVPs of their respective high school teams: Look for both to contribute this year. As I always say, defense wins championships.
Season tickets are available for the insanely low price of $40: Click here to buy yours online. Individual game tickets are also available at the box office ($6, $4 for kids 12 and under.) The A-10 tournament takes place November 22-24 (the week before Thanksgiving.)
Here's a look at this year's full home schedule...
August 30 @ 7:00 PM vs. Maryland (GW Invitational)
August 31 @ 10:00 AM vs. UMBC (GW Invitational)
August 31 @ 7:00 PM vs. Ole Miss (GW Invitational)
September 29 @ 1:00 PM vs. Towson
October 11 @ 7:00 PM vs. La Salle
October 12 @ 7:00 PM vs. VCU
October 20 @ 1:00 PM vs. George Mason
November 1 @ 7:00 PM vs. Dayton
November 2 TBA vs. Duquesne (BUFF OUT)
November 8 TBA vs. Fordham
November 10 @ 1:00 PM vs. Rhode Island (Senior Day)
* September 11 GW travels cross town to face Georgetown University at McDonough Arena (7:00 PM.) Why not make the short trip, and give the Lady Colonials a 12th home game?
