University of Houston Athletics
Park Plaza Kick-Off Tournament Begins On Friday
8/30/2004 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Aug. 30, 2004
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HOUSTON - The Park Plaza Kick-Off Tournament hosted by the University of Houston volleyball team, signals the beginning of the 2004 season for the Cougars with No. 10 Cal, No. 14 Kansas State and Maryland coming to town to open the season.
All three visiting teams advanced to the NCAA Tournament last year and finished the 2003 season ranked in the top 25. Maryland and Kansas also won their respective conference last season.
With two teams in the top 25 and Maryland one spot out from making the list, the UH Tournament is slated to be one of the toughest tournaments in the nation for 2004.
The Cougars and Terrapins square off in Houston's first match of the year on Friday, Sept. 3, at 8:00 p.m. The Terrapins come into Friday's game with five returning starters and 11 letterwinners from a year ago, including all-ACC selections Aimee Huddleston and Rachel Wagener.
On Saturday, the Cougars will face Kansas State at 3:00 p.m., with all-American honorable mention Gabby Guerre leading the Wildcats along with last season's Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, outside hitter Vali Hejjas.
Houston closes out the tournament on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. against a loaded California team. The Golden Bears return all six of their starting athletes and are lead by Nation Player of the Year candidate, two-time all-American Mia Jerkov.
Park Plaza Kick-Off Tournament Schedule
Friday, Sept. 3
Noon Kansas State v. Maryland6:00 p.m. Cal v. Kansas State8:00 p.m. Houston v. Maryland
Saturday, Sept. 4
1:00 p.m. Cal v. Maryland3:00 p.m. Houston v. Kansas State
Sunday, Sept. 5
1:00 p.m. Houston v. Cal
