By: Eduardo Almaguer / Staff Writer
This is it.
1,449 digs, 1,335 kills, 1,244 assists, and 223 total blocks later, the Panthers have made it to the finish line. What does the black and white checkered ribbon say?
2011 Sun Belt Conference Tournament.
From the very first day of practice, the FIU volleyball team has had the SBC tournament in their line of sight. Every bead of sweat and every bruise on their shoulders have been to improve for the tournament that will officially begin on Thursday, Nov.17 in the U.S Century Bank Arena.
Eight teams have qualified, and FIU is right in the middle with the No.4 seed of the tournament. They will square off against Denver, the No.5 seed, Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
DÉJÀ VU WITH DENVER
Almost one year ago to the date, FIU swept Denver in the opening match of SBC tournament. This season, the Panthers beat them in their home court in four sets. Despite their recent success against the No.5 seed, however, head coach Danijela Tomic and her team is not going to underestimate Pioneers.
“We expect a tough match from them,” said Tomic. “They’ve been playing well lately and we’ve been up and down.”
Denver, second in the West division, ended the season on a three-game winning streak to boost their conference record to 10-6.
“The past is the past,” said redshirt freshman setter Jessica Egan. “We’re not underestimating Denver. They’re a good team. “
LIMPING TO THE END
While there is no question that the Panthers are excited and ready to compete at the tournament, there is no hiding the fact that the season has taken a toll on their bodies.
“Physically, we are beaten,” said Tomic.
Of more concern is the fact that FIU’s best player, junior outside hitter Jovana Bjelica, was not participating in practice on Tuesday. Tomic has said that she is having “severe issues” with her feet. Tomic acknowledges that having Bjelica injured can pose great problems for the team because there is no depth in the position. There is simply no one to back her up. Despite this, Tomic has no doubts that the conference leader in kills per set and kills will be good to go on Thursday.
HOME COURT ADVANTAGE
Perhaps the biggest advantage that the Panthers will have over any opponents they face is not Bjelica’s offensive prowess on the court, but the fact that for the first time in a decade, the SBC tournament is going to be hosted by FIU.
The last time that the tournament was hosted in Miami, FIU used its home court advantage to win it all. It remains the only time the Panthers have ever won the championship in the conference’s 28 years of existence. Current players are hoping to recapture that magic, but they are aware that it is a double-edged sword.
“It gives us more confidence. It’s a familiar place; it’s where we practice,” said Egan. “But it adds more pressure on us to perform better in front of our home crowd.”
“I’m glad we’re not traveling. It’s good to be home,” added Tomic.
If FIU wins the first round against Denver, it will face the winning team of the Western Kentucky (No.1)- Troy (No.8) match on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The championship match is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Nov.18 at 1 p.m.
Coach Tomic only wants her team to do one thing: “To leave our best and give our best. I want them to play like a team and have a good attitude and leave everything on the floor.”
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