International contest to prepare Gamecocks for difficult conference schedule
According to coach Scott Swanson, a company called Bring It Promotions sponsors college volleyball teams in the United States to tour Europe and also brings teams from Europe to tour the United States. Slovenia is currently doing a tour of the southeastern U.S., playing Duke, North Carolina, Clemson and Georgia Tech. The Slovenian senior and junior teams are both coming, but South Carolina will play the senior team.
Swanson said that he expected to be playing some very polished players but noted that the experience of playing such a team could really help his team to be prepared for the tough SEC schedule down the road.
"To me 'senior team' says that there's going to be some very experienced, probably professional players on that team that are going to really challenge us," he said. "I told our girls, they could come in and walk all over us, but it's going to be a good experience. They need to know what it's like to play (SEC powerhouses) Tennessee, Florida or Kentucky. [A game with Slovenia] will be a closer indication of the top teams in the SEC."
Swanson said that he really didn't know what to expect from the team itself, not having seen any footage or tape on Slovenia.
"It's nothing that we really have tape on, and that's why it's just an exhibition," he said. "They get to see a bunch of universities and enjoy their trip; it's mostly a cultural experience for them, and we're going to get to play some great competition, hopefully."
The Gamecocks have had strong early season offensive play from outside hitters Juliette Thévenin, Megan Kent and Bethanie Thomas. Thévenin leads the team with 51 kills, followed by Thomas with 35. The blocking over the weekend was headed by middle blockers Christina Vereb and Cara Howley. Howley leads the team with 13 blocks on the season, but she has also contributed on offense with 30 kills. Vereb is third on the team with nine blocks.
Defensive play is anchored by libero Paige Wheeler, who has led the team in digs thus far with 57. Setter Taylor Bruns currently leads the team in assists, racking up 92 in the early season for South Carolina. She has also played a role on defense, as her 30 digs are tied for third on the team.