CHARLESTON, S.C. --- The sand has been groomed, the nets have been strung, and the suntan lotion is at the ready for the start of the 2018 College of Charleston beach volleyball season this weekend at the FSU Invitational in Tallahassee, Fla.
 
The Cougars will open the 2018 slate on Friday against No. 11 Florida International at 10:30 am, followed by a 2:30 pm matchup with No. 15 Stetson. Saturday will bring an 8:30 am tilt against fourth-ranked Florida State, and the Cougars will close out the weekend against St. Petersburg College at 2:30 pm on Saturday.
 
"With a talented group of returning athletes, we're excited for a challenging schedule in our second season of competition in the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association," Kepner said.
 
The Cougars are expected to field an experienced lineup that is likely to feature several upperclassmen, including seniors Krissy Mummey (Hudson, Ohio), Riana Brennan (Los Gatos, Calif.), and Lauren Hollman (Union, Ky.). Juniors Kennedy Madison (Evansville, Ind.), McKala Rhodes (Charleston, S.C.), Devon Rachel (Louisville, Ky.), Allison Beckman (Apex, N.C.), and Taylor Foley (Agoura Hills, Calif.) are also expected to see significant time on the sand this spring.
 
Sophomores Katja Ehlers (Raleigh, N.C.) and Lauren Freed (Troy, Ohio) will likely factor into the equation as well, with contributions from seniors Jane Feddersen (Leesburg, Va.), Britney Vallez (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.), and Natalie Tucker (Isle of Palms, S.C.) also possible. Junior Megan Morris (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.), sophomores Peyton Eisnaugle (Dallas, Texas), Meghan Murphy (Orange, Calif.), Mandy Napierala (Irondequoit, N.Y.), and freshmen Logan Manusky (San Diego, Calif.) and Ella Ridinger (Glen Ellyn, Ill.) could also see some time on the sand.
 
The Cougars will open the weekend on Friday morning with a 10:30 am matchup against No. 11 Florida International, before taking on No. 15 Stetson at 2:30 pm.