Volleyball Makes Home Debut Friday

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –The University of North Florida volleyball team opens the home portion of its 2011 schedule this weekend hosting the Best Western Invitational at UNF Arena. The Ospreys (2-4) welcome South Carolina State and Presbyterian for the event.

UNF begins home tournament action against S.C. State, Friday at 7 p.m. before meeting Presbyterian, Saturday at 6 p.m. The Bulldogs and Blue Hose will also face each other in UNF Arena Saturday at 1 p.m.

The Ospreys, who were 6-7 at home last season, look to build on solid performances in their opening two tournaments against strong volleyball programs. Junior Paige Pridgeon has led the UNF offense averaging 2.87 kills per set (7th in A-Sun) while fellow junior Nicole Baran has paced the squad's defensive effort with 3.91 digs per set (6th in A-Sun). Freshman setter Casey Giovanazzi ranks sixth in the conference with 7.59 assists per set.

South Carolina State brings a 4-3 record into Friday night's tilt after capturing their own tournament title last weekend. Shabree Roberson leads the Bulldogs with 2.55 kills per set and a .282 hitting percentage. This marks the first meeting for UNF and SCSU on the volleyball court.

Presbyterian (0-5) enters the weekend in search of their first victory in 2011. After opening the season with two home defeats, the Blue Hose dropped all three of their contests last weekend at the Wildcat Classic hosted by the University of Arizona. UNF owns a 3-1 record in the all-time series with PC including a 3-0 victory in the last meeting between the pair in 2004.

Following the Best Western Invitational, North Florida returns to the road for its next seven matches.

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