So much for postseason position.
Despite capturing the league's top playoff seed with an 8-2 regular season mark, the Utah Predators face a tough haul in this weekend's National Volleyball Association playoffs.Not only will the league leaders spend the rest of the campaign on the road, they'll have to win twice in a city void of Predator victories.
"It's not going to be easy," said Utah coach Annette Cottle. "We have a tough draw, but I always like opportunities to play for championships."
In tonight's final four at UCSD's Rimac Center, Utah meets host San Diego in a rematch of last year's NVA finals. The Spikers, who hold a 3-2 all-time edge over the Predators, were the last team to defeat Utah this season. The Predators, winners of seven straight, have yet to lose after a 9-15, 15-12, 16-14, 15-10 setback on Jan. 7.
Motivation is in no short supply as Utah seeks the top spot.
"We are going to go for it," said Cottle. "We love this opportunity."
Olympic team members Tammy Liley, Kristin Klein and Natalie WIlliams headline the Utah cast. Other standouts include league blocks leader Marissa Hatchett and digs front-runner Charlene Johnson.
San Diego's fortunes rest on the play of national teamer Teee Williams. The winner will advance into Saturday's NVA championship match against Orange County or San Jose. The Diggers and Storm will square off prior to the Predators match.
PREDATOR NOTES: Both the semifinal and championship matches will be televised by Sportschannel and Prime Sports. The tape-delay broadcast can be seen locally on Thursday, March 21 at 8:30 p.m. on PSN . . . Utah (8-2) and San Jose (6-4) were the only NVA teams with winning records this season.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
NVA playoffs
Tonight's semifinals
Orange County vs. San Jose, 6:30 p.m.
Utah vs. San Diego, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday's title match
NVA Championship, 8:30 p.m.