Saturday's MatchUP
September 24, 2022 | 1:00 p.m. ET
USC Upstate (3-10; 1-0 Big South) vs. High Point (7-6; 0-0 Big South)
G.B. Hodge Center | Spartanburg, S.C.
 
Series History
In a series that began when USC Upstate joined the Big South in 2018, Upstate and High Point are set to meet for the eighth time in the two program's Division I eras Saturday afternoon. The Panthers lead the series 7-0 and captured both meetings between the clubs last season.
 
Last Time Out
September 22, 2022: USC Upstate 3; Presbyterian 1
 
Players to Watch
Upstate: Leading the Spartans in kills and hitting percentage and ranking second in total blocks during Thursday's match, freshman middle blocker Ady O'Grady was instrumental in Upstate's win over Presbyterian in the Big South opener. With career-highs in kills, hitting percentage, digs, and total blocks, she made her presence felt in each facet of the game as she put down 14 kills while hitting .500 and added seven digs and six total blocks.
 
High Point: Entering the Panthers' match Friday night at Presbyterian, sophomore outside hitter Sydney Palazzolo features as one of the top outsides in the Big South this season, ranking second in the league in kills, kills per set, and points per set. She's accrued 175 kills (3.89 per set) this season, totaling 194.0 points (4.31 per set) as she's also tallied 14 service aces and eight total blocks.
 
Quotable (Head Coach Ronda Shirley)
On her team's win over Presbyterian in the Big South opener…
"Awesome. It's what we've been working for. It's what preseason is all about; to build and be ready for conference. They [the team] have taken on the challenge and I'm super proud of how they came out and fought tonight."
 
On the play of Ady O'Grady against Presbyterian…
"She's just really bought in. She's working hard every day at practice and she's just really the fire we need out there. She's somebody we need to have on the court right now and she showed it tonight with her play, her drive, and her competitive nature."
 
Quotable (Freshman Middle Blocker Ady O'Grady)
On her success versus Presbyterian…
"It feels really good. It's something we've been working toward for a long time. We didn't let preseason get to our heads and we took it as a challenge. We had something to prove and we finally showed what Spartan volleyball is. I'm really proud of everybody."
 
On how her preparation—especially her teammates—helps her find success on the court…
"It's a mindset and comes along with really great teammates. We all work together to be the best we can and push each other. The people on the bench are the reason why the people on the court are so good. We just really know our roles and know how to work together to be successful."
 
Quotable (Freshman Setter Savannah Page)
On the team's big win over Presbyterian last night…
"It felt really good. It's really nice to start off conference play with a win and build our confidence for the season."
 
On what has contributed to her on-court success, including her second career double-double last night…
"Coming into the gym and working hard. My teammates pushing us to get better and adjust easily."
 
UP Next for the Spartans
After closing out the opening weekend of Big South play at home Saturday, Upstate continues its homestand with two additional home matches as league play rolls on. The Spartans host Gardner-Webb Thursday before welcoming UNC Asheville Friday as both matches feature a 6 p.m. ET first serve.
 
JOIN UP 
Make a difference in the lives of USC Upstate student-athletes!  Donate to the USC Upstate U Club today! 
 
Keep UP with the Spartans 
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics 
Twitter | @UpstateVB @UpstateSpartans 
Instagram | @UpstateVB @UpstateSpartans 
YouTube.com/UpstateSpartans