The Terrapins volleyball team has reason to be excited about its one-game hiatus from ACC competition.
The Terps have lost 25 of 31 league matches since last year, and ACC foes have accounted for the entirety of the team’s current six-match losing streak. Yet the Terps have impressed out of conference, posting an 8-3 record against non-ACC opponents.
So when the Terps travel to play American tonight, they’ll likely find the confidence they’ve been lacking during a winless October.
“Everyone feels that it is completely winnable,” middle blocker Adreené Elliott said. “We want to end the streak that we’ve been having, so we’re definitely going full force into the game.”
They have reason to feel that way. The Terps have won 14 of their 15 all-time meetings with the Eagles, most recently in September 2005.
The Terps’ optimism, though, doesn’t stem solely from the program’s nearly spotless record against their Patriot League opponent. It’s also because the team is getting healthy.
Outside hitters Mary Cushman and Emily Fraik both returned to action during the weekend after missing significant time with concussions. Cushman, who led the squad in kills last year, was sidelined during the first five contests of the team’s six-game losing skid.
“It was great to have them back,” libero Sarah Harper said. “They brought some energy that we haven’t had in a while.”
But Saturday’s loss at N.C. State proved health alone won’t solve the Terps’ issues. Even with the outside hitting duo of Fraik and Cushman back in the lineup, the Terps posted an abysmal .098 hitting percentage against the Wolfpack.
That mark will likely need to improve if the Terps (10-12) hope to compete with Eagles’ (15-q) middle blocker Morgan Hendrix — the Patriot League leader in blocks and hitting percentage.
And although the Terps have traditionally dominated the Eagles, they may face a tougher test tonight than usual. American is the defending Patriot League champion, and it has won six out of its past seven matches.
“American traditionally has a good team, and they win their conference every year,” coach Tim Horsmon said. “It provides a great opportunity for us to play a quality team.”
The matchup also gives the Terps an opportunity to play an extra game this week. During conference play, volleyball teams are typically limited to two weekend games a week.
Tonight’s rare midweek contest forces both opponents to deal with an unusually quick turnaround — something the Terps don’t mind after disappointing showings at North Carolina and N.C. State over the weekend.
“After this weekend,” Horsmon said following Saturday’s loss to the Wolfpack, “[the American game] gets you back on the court and gives you another chance to compete.”
And another chance to win.
As the Terps prepare for the second half of conference play, they could certainly use some confidence. Their regular season nonconference finale gives them an opportunity to gain just that.
“We are confident because we know we are going to get better,” Harper said. “This week gives us an opportunity to get better. “
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