George Washington University

Aug. 25, 2011

WASHINGTON - The 2011 George Washington volleyball season gets underway this weekend when the Colonials compete in the sixth annual DC Challenge. GW opens the season Friday night against American at AU's Bender Arena. On Saturday, the tournament switches venues to the Charles E. Smith Center for four matches.

Now in its sixth year, the DC Challenge features four local teams: GW, American, George Mason and Georgetown, in a round-robin tournament. The Colonials won the inaugural challenge in 2006, as well as the 2009 installment.

Last season, GW defeated both Georgetown (3-1) and George Mason (3-0) while falling to American (0-3). The Colonials own an all-time mark of 11-4 in DC Challenge matches. Against the field, GW owns a 10-6 advantage in the all-time series with American, a 34-28 advantage over Georgetown and a 29-8 mark against George Mason.

All four of Saturday's DC Challenge matches, as well all of GW's home matches this season, can be viewed live online via video streaming at GWsports.com. Those interested in subscribing can visit GW All-Access to sign up for the service. Options include monthly service or an annual package that currently includes Colonials men's and women's basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, women's lacrosse and men's and women's soccer.

DC Challenge Schedule
Friday, August 26 at Bender Arena (American University)
5:00 pm - Georgetown vs. George Mason
7:30 pm - GW vs. American | Watch Live

Saturday, August 27 at Charles E. Smith Center
11:00 am - GW vs. George Mason Gametracker | Watch Live
1:00 pm - American vs. Georgetown Gametracker | Watch Live
5:00 pm - American vs. George Mason cancelled
7:00 pm - GW vs. Georgetown cancelled

2011 SEASON OUTLOOK

George Washington volleyball in 2011 will feature several new faces both on the court and on the sideline. First-year head coach Amanda Ault replaces Jojit Coronel and brings assistant coach Ryan Freeburg and graduate assistant coach Erin Moore to Foggy Bottom. The new staff has a distinct Big Ten Conference flavor as Coach Ault and Coach Moore come to GW from the University of Michigan while Coach Freeburg has spent the previous four seasons at Purdue.

"We are very excited about this season," said Coach Ault. "We are building a culture right now, and the girls, coaching staff and everybody involved in the program do not want to wait. We are anxious to get started and we want to see results right away. We are ready to climb the ladder, and we want to be at the top of the Atlantic 10 and compete regionally and nationally as well".

The Colonials return 10 letterwinners -- including five starters -- from a 2010 squad that posted a 17-15 overall record. Five newcomers, from five different states, round out the 2011 roster.

This year's returning veterans, led by tri-captains MacKenzie Knox, Lauren Whyte and Candace Silva-Martin, have set their sights high and are determined to build on their success from last season. The Colonials expect to be in position to contend for the 2011 Atlantic 10 Championship and earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

"We have had a great preseason camp, and I am really looking forward to getting on the court to see what this team can do," said Coach Ault. "I have been very happy with how this group has adapted to what we as coaches expect from them. We are to the point where we need to play someone other than ourselves to really see where we are and what more we need to improve upon as the season goes on."

Setters

The setter position is in good hands with veteran Katie Crosby, who averaged 9.96 assists per set in 2010. Crosby is extremely competitive and is an excellent leader on and off the court. A 2009 transfer from Arizona State, Crosby has a stunning resume and has trained and competed at the highest levels.

Hitters

Atlantic 10 All-Conference second team performer Lauren Whyte leads a deep stable of hitters for the Colonials. Whyte led the league in kills (488) and points (536.5) as a sophomore in 2010. She will have help from senior MacKenzie Knox (team-high .386 attack pct.), as well as Knox's younger sister, Taylor, and fellow sophomore Rachel Goss. Goss's ball control and athleticism led to 188 kills and 152 digs in 108 sets as a freshman last season. Taylor Knox had 50 kills as an opposite-side hitter in limited playing time last year.

Liberos

The Colonials return 2009 A-10 All-Rookie team member Candace Silva-Martin, along with junior Christie Graf, at the libero spot. Silva-Martin's 4.51 digs per set ranked third in the A-10 last season while Graf was the traveling defensive specialist. Hillary DeCarl and Jessica Burr also return for their sophomore season. DeCarl is a smooth defensive player with good instincts and outstanding touch on the ball. The versatile Burr can play as a hitter in addition to defensive specialist.

Newcomers

Among the five new players this fall, Coach Ault feels Landon Garvik and Christy Harper in particular will battle for considerable playing time. Coach Ault sees Kelsey Newman contributing from the outside hitter position. Harper joins the Colonials this season at middle blocker as does Jessie Kupcha as a defensive specialist. Coach Ault envisions Garvik at the right side hitter spot while Savannah Clark will back up Silva-Martin at libero and work out as a defensive specialist.

"We are extremely excited about our incoming class," said Coach Ault. "Anytime there is a coaching transition there are a lot of issues to have to negotiate, and to be able to keep these five student-athletes in the fold is something we are very excited about. All five are committed to our mission as a team, committed to growing this program and becoming better athletes. Not only will they help in our goals on the court, but I truly believe they will mix well with our returning team members and be great ambassadors for GW volleyball and the entire university."

The Schedule

The Colonials begin non-conference play in the DC Challenge for the sixth straight year from Aug. 26-27, against local rivals American and George Mason. The second half of day two action of the DC Challenge, including the Colonials' match against Georgetown, has been postponed indefinitely due to the anticipated adverse weather conditions. GW then competes in three tournaments- its own GW Invitational on Sept. 2-3, at VCU on Sept. 9-10, and at San Diego Sept. 16-17. The Colonials will host the two-day GW Invitational on Sept. 2-3 with a field that includes UNC Wilmington, which is coached by former GW assistant Amy Bambenek, along with Central Connecticut State and North Carolina Central.

"We have built our non-conference schedule to prepare us for the highly competitive A-10 schedule" said Coach Ault. "By going on the road and playing these quality opponents early on, we will get a chance to see what we are made of and it will definitely prepare us for A-10 Conference play."

The Colonials open A-10 Conference play on Sept. 23 at Duquesne and close out the season on Nov. 5 also against Duquesne in the `Senior Night' match and final home appearance for the GW's lone senior, MacKenzie Knox.

"We know that every match during the conference season is important and hopefully we will be where we need to be at that point of our schedule. As long as we keep improving every day, I think this team has a lot of potential," said Coach Ault.