Volleyball closes home slate against Duke

Two emotions permeated the Terrapin volleyball team's matchups with Wake Forest and Duke more than a month ago: elation and heartbreak.

Trailing Wake Forest, 2-1, on Sept. 30, the Terps stormed back to win the final two sets — and the match — in triumphant fashion. But the emotion changed when they faced Duke the following night. The Terps again forced a fifth set but were not able to sustain their momentum, falling to Duke, 3-2, in a devastating loss.

"We knew then that we could compete with anyone in the conference," middle Brittney Grove said. "It was an eye-opener for us."

This weekend, in the Terps' final homestand of the season, the team hopes to end its seven-weekend streak of splitting its matches. The Terps (17-10, 8-7 ACC) will face Wake Forest (16-10, 8-7) today and Duke (21-4, 13-2) in their Senior Day on Sunday. And with four teams tied with the Terps for fourth place in the conference, coach Tim Horsmon understands just how important the matches are.

"This weekend is going to have a huge bearing on what happens at the end of the year," Horsmon said. "There are a lot of ACC implications and a lot of NCAA Tournament implications. It's a big weekend."

On Sunday against the Blue Devils, the Terps will honor seniors Bethany Springer, Michelle Kenning, Marissa Odom and Grove. Grove and Springer have been invaluable to the Terps this year, with Grove's 96 blocks ranking second on the team and Springer's 435 digs a team best and career high. Kenning has missed significant time due to injury this season and will return this weekend, but she and Odom have served as vocal leaders for the Terps all season.

"All four have really brought a lot to the table this year," Horsmon said. "They will be missed."

With emotions running high for the Terps this weekend, the team will have no shortage of motivation against Duke, the top team in the conference. Defeating the Blue Devils would only sweeten the Terp seniors' send-off.

"When we come down the stretch, we have to finish," Grove said. "A win against Duke would be the best present of the entire season."

vitale@umdbk.com