ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, August 28, 1996 TAG: 9608280046
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: IN THE REGION
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
Chase Metheney, who was on campus at the University of South Carolina when he decided to return to Virginia, was officially welcomed back to the Cavaliers' basketball program Tuesday.
``He needed some time to think about some issues,'' said UVa coach Jeff Jones in a statement released by the school. "After taking that time, I think he came to the realization that UVa is the best place for him.''
Metheney, who had received a release from his scholarship, had enrolled at South Carolina but did not attend any classes.
``Chase is being treated as a transfer from South Carolina because he was enrolled and present on the first day of classes at that institution,'' said Lynn Mitchell, Virginia's associate director of athletics for compliance.
``He doesn't have to serve the residency requirement of one year without game competition because of one of the exceptions allowed by the NCAA. He didn't practice or compete at South Carolina, so he can return to his original institution and retain his eligibility.''
The 7-foot-4 center will have three years of eligibility remaining.
In other sports in the region:
Despite returning four starters from last season's 22-12 squad, Virginia Tech's volleyball team was picked fifth in the Atlantic 10 Conference 1996 preseason poll.
Rhode Island, which finished second last year, was picked to win the league.
Coach Stephanie Hawbecker's Tech squad will be led by juniors Laura Hanner (10.4 assists per game) and Terrie Zubert (52 aces and 357 digs). Junior Megan Barnes (138 blocks) and sophomore Corrie Bundy (1.78 kills per game) round the out the starting veterans.
The Hokies open the 1996 season Friday when they play host to the six-team Virginia Tech Classic.
Duke and Virginia are the preseason picks to claim the 1996 ACC men's regular-season soccer title, according to a poll of the league's seven head coaches.
The Cavaliers received four of the first-place votes but tied with the Blue Devils, who upset Virginia in the NCAA semifinals, in points with 44 to share the top pick. Maryland was third, followed by Clemson, North Carolina, Wake Forest and N.C. State.
In women's play, defending league champion North Carolina is the preseason favorite, according to the league's eight head coaches. Maryland was second, followed by Duke, Virginia, Clemson, N.C. State, Wake Forest and Florida State.
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