ANDERSON, S.C. – After wrapping up the preseason with a scrimmage earlier in the week, the Anderson University volleyball team is set to open the campaign with three matches at the Hughston Clinic Invitational, hosted by Columbus State, Friday and Saturday at the Frank G. Kumpkin, Jr. Center.
This weekend's appearance in western Georgia marks the beginning of a nine-match season-opening road swing for the Black and Gold.
Second-year Trojan head coach Gene Krieger's roster features 10 returning letterwinners, including a pair of Preseason All-South Atlantic Conference selections among six upperclassmen. While looking to replace All-SAC performer Priscilla Irizarry at setter, the Trojans expect to boast a strong presence at the net this season, with three veteran middle blockers expected to see action. Senior Jessica Harris has started 52 matches over the last two seasons and recorded nearly 200 blocks in that span. Serena Jackson was named Preseason First-Team All-SAC earlier this week after ranking 15th in the league with 284 kills last season, while reaching double-figure kills 15 times during the season. Senior transfer Rachel Burts has been impressive in the preseason and is expected to see action on the front line.
Rightside hitter Allison Gaminde returns for her senior season after seeing action in 47 contests over the last two seasons. She tallied 123 kills a year ago and was third on the squad with 48 total blocks. Junior Marissa Mitter, a Preseason Second-Team All-SAC honoree, was 10th in the league with nearly 300 kills last season, including a season-high 29 in the conference tournament. Sophomore Emily Conard, a libero, played in every set last season while pacing the Trojans with 497 digs, including a season-best 38 in the road win over Coker. Conard posted double-figure digs in 18 consecutive matches a season ago.
Anderson opens this weekend's event by facing Clark Atlanta, Friday at 4:30 p.m., then squares off against West Georgia, Saturday at 10 a.m. AU closes out the tournament with a 2:30 p.m. matchup versus Armstrong State.
Clark Atlanta
The Panthers posted a 14-14 record a year ago while falling in the second round of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament. CAU has been tabbed to finish third in the Eastern Division of the SIAC this season, behind Claflin and Albany State in the 2016 SIAC Preseason Poll. Senior middle blocker Sierra Scroggins earned Preseason Second-Team All-SIAC honors in early August after knocking down 271 kills a year ago. Scoggins ranked third in the SIAC in aces per set and fourth in kills per set and service aces.
The Series vs. Clark Atlanta
Friday's contest marks the first meeting between the two programs. The Trojans have faced SIAC foes Benedict, Kentucky State and Claflin on three previous occasions and have come away victorious each time.
West Georgia
The Wolves are looking for a turnaround following a 3-26 season in 2015 and were a preseason selection to finish 11th in the Gulf South Conference in 2016.
The Series vs. West Georgia
Saturday's contest versus the Wolves marks the first meeting between the two programs since the 2003 campaign, when the Trojans dropped a five-set decision to the Wolves in the final contest of a Saturday afternoon tri-match at the Abney Athletic Center.
Armstrong State
After advancing to their eighth consecutive NCAA Southeast Regional last season, the Lady Pirates received three first-place votes and were picked to finish second this year in the Preseason Peach Belt Conference poll of the league's coaches, just behind Flagler. Armstrong State finished last season with an 18-11 record after falling to eventual regional champion Carson-Newman. Armstrong State returns six starters and 12 players from last season's squad.
The Series vs. Armstrong State
Saturday afternoon's match will be the fourth meeting between the two programs, with Armstrong holding a 2-1 edge in the overall series. The Trojans won the first-ever meeting in 2007 by a 3-2 count, while the Lady Pirates claimed a four-set win in 2008 and swept AU in 2011.
