Wistrick representing Middle Tennessee in China

SHONGOUNG, China - After sitting out much of the 2010 volleyball season due to injury, Alyssa Wistrick made her return to competitive play this month, joining USA Volleyball and Bring It Promotions for a tour of China.

"This is the 12th year that USA Volleyball has recognized a trip of this nature," senior director of development Tom Pingel said. "The experience gained by the athletes simply cannot be gained through domestic play. I'm confident that the 2011 experience will equal or surpass those of past years."

The trip brings together athletes from schools across the country, including AVCA All-America selections in Cincinnati's Stephanie Niemer, Oklahoma's Brianne Barker and Virginia Tech's Cara Baarendse. Wistrick is the only Sun Belt player and only athlete from a Tennessee college on the tour.

"I think this is a big step for Alyssa," head coach Matt Peck said. "It gives her a chance after her injury last year to compete with some of the best and develop some confidence going forward. We highly encouraged her to do this, and I think it will really help the team next season."

The group landed in Beijing on June 10. Wistrick's team has played in a pair matches so far, falling 3-1 over the weekend and 3-0 earlier today in Shouguang.

The rest of the trip will feature four matches and sightseeing tours at the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing before returning home on June 20.

Fans can follow along with the tour at www.bringitusa.com and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BPinChina.

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