Post by GatorVball on Nov 30, 2006 11:12:34 GMT -5
FAMU not afraid of Gators
Rattlers ready for first-round match in Gainesville
By Heath A. Smith
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER
GAINESVILLE - Tonight's NCAA Championship volleyball first-round match between Florida A&M and Florida isn't a David & Goliath story.
The Gators (28-2) are the No. 9 national seed and are hosting the first- and second-round matches for the 14th time in 16 seasons, but this isn't the first time around the block in the NCAA Championship or against the Gators for the Lady Rattlers (21-6).
FAMU is making its seventh appearance in the NCAA Championship in eight years. It hosted a regional three years ago.
As far as FAMU women's volleyball coach Tony Trifonov is concerned, you can throw the records and rankings out because tonight's contest is a good old-fashioned rivalry game.
"We are the only two schools in Florida that have consistently made it to the NCAA Championship," Trifonov said. "The fans' expectations will be a lot higher in this game. We're expecting between 3,000-4,000 spectators. It will be a great atmosphere for both teams to play in."
FAMU and Florida have played twice in the past four years. The two teams didn't play each other during the regular season this year although they did play in the same tournament.
"We did see Florida A&M a little when they played here in our September tournament, even though we didn't play them," Florida women's volleyball coach Mary Wise said. "It's a team that's used to winning and as every Florida A&M team we've played, they have a significant amount of international experience."
Among FAMU's players with international experience is MEAC Player of the Year Maria Andonova, who said she was looking forward to playing Florida again.
"We've played them twice in my four years here," Andonova said. "They have new players, which I think is going to help because they are freshmen.
"The excitement is much bigger because there will be many people watching this game. We know that if we win this game it will be our biggest achievement of the season. We're really excited and I think we're ready."
Florida State transfer Marrita Royster-Crockett, who earned First Team All-MEAC honors in her first season with the Lady Rattlers and will be making her first appearance in the NCAA Championship, is also primed for an upset. Whether as a Seminole or a Rattler, the chance to best the Gators is an opportunity she doesn't want to pass up.
"I'm pumped," Crockett said. "We saw them when I was at FSU and we didn't do so hot. I really feel like we have a chance against them with this team. I feel like we have a chance to at least get into the Sweet 16."
Rattlers ready for first-round match in Gainesville
By Heath A. Smith
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER
GAINESVILLE - Tonight's NCAA Championship volleyball first-round match between Florida A&M and Florida isn't a David & Goliath story.
The Gators (28-2) are the No. 9 national seed and are hosting the first- and second-round matches for the 14th time in 16 seasons, but this isn't the first time around the block in the NCAA Championship or against the Gators for the Lady Rattlers (21-6).
FAMU is making its seventh appearance in the NCAA Championship in eight years. It hosted a regional three years ago.
As far as FAMU women's volleyball coach Tony Trifonov is concerned, you can throw the records and rankings out because tonight's contest is a good old-fashioned rivalry game.
"We are the only two schools in Florida that have consistently made it to the NCAA Championship," Trifonov said. "The fans' expectations will be a lot higher in this game. We're expecting between 3,000-4,000 spectators. It will be a great atmosphere for both teams to play in."
FAMU and Florida have played twice in the past four years. The two teams didn't play each other during the regular season this year although they did play in the same tournament.
"We did see Florida A&M a little when they played here in our September tournament, even though we didn't play them," Florida women's volleyball coach Mary Wise said. "It's a team that's used to winning and as every Florida A&M team we've played, they have a significant amount of international experience."
Among FAMU's players with international experience is MEAC Player of the Year Maria Andonova, who said she was looking forward to playing Florida again.
"We've played them twice in my four years here," Andonova said. "They have new players, which I think is going to help because they are freshmen.
"The excitement is much bigger because there will be many people watching this game. We know that if we win this game it will be our biggest achievement of the season. We're really excited and I think we're ready."
Florida State transfer Marrita Royster-Crockett, who earned First Team All-MEAC honors in her first season with the Lady Rattlers and will be making her first appearance in the NCAA Championship, is also primed for an upset. Whether as a Seminole or a Rattler, the chance to best the Gators is an opportunity she doesn't want to pass up.
"I'm pumped," Crockett said. "We saw them when I was at FSU and we didn't do so hot. I really feel like we have a chance against them with this team. I feel like we have a chance to at least get into the Sweet 16."