Mercer University
UAB
Big Weekend Awaits Mercer at Gamecock Challenge
3/10/2017 1:41:00 AM | Beach Volleyball
Mercer seeks to continue best start in program history
MACON, Ga. – Mercer takes its hot start in the 2017 campaign to the Gamecock Challenge in Columbia, South Carolina this weekend, where it will face a pair of nationally ranked foes and an ASUN rival over four matches at Wheeler Beach.
The Bears (4-1) will face UAB and No. 15 (AVCA) South Carolina Saturday, March 11 before taking on No. 11 (AVCA) Grand Canyon and Jacksonville Sunday, March 12. The match against Jacksonville will serve as Mercer's ASUN opener.
The only true road match of the weekend against host South Carolina will be broadcasted live on the SEC Network+ at 1 p.m. Saturday.
GAMECOCK CHALLENGE OUTLOOK
Date: Saturday, March 11 – Sunday, March 12
Location: Columbia, S.C. | Wheeler Beach
Teams (Records): Mercer (4-1); UAB (4-1);Â #15 South Carolina (4-0); #11 Grand Canyon (5-1); Jacksonville (0-5)
Live Stats: N/A
Live Video: SEC Network+ (South Carolina match only)
Twitter Updates: @MercerBearsVB
NOTABLES
- Mercer is off to its best start in program history with the 4-1 record. The Bears went 3-2 twice (2014, 2016) through their first five matches.
- Duo Emma Peel/Sophie Peel is the lone undefeated pairing for Mercer through five matches played. The sisters are 5-0 and defeated Georgia State for the first time in their respective careers Wednesday (21-17, 19-21, 15-13).
- Mercer's top four pairings are all at least 4-1 this season.
SCOUTING THE COMPETITION
- The host Gamecocks earned their first-ever AVCA ranking earlier this week, cracking the 15-team poll at No. 15.
- Mercer is 1-2 dating back to 2012 against South Carolina. Saturday's match is the first of two between the Bears and Gamecocks this season.
- The Bears are winners of four straight against Jacksonville despite trailing 5-7 in the all-time series with the Dolphins. The streak includes a 4-1 win in the first round of last year's ASUN Tournament in Emerson, Georgia.
- Sunday's match against Grand Canyon will be the first-ever between the two programs. The Lopes are 5-1, losing to only No. 5 Hawaii this year.
- Mercer is 6-8 all-time against UAB, its most common opponent in program history.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of Mercer Volleyball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerBearsVB (Twitter), and @mercervolleyball (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.
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