Cougars Host CofC Invitational to Open 2021 Campaign

Friday, August 27

Charleston, S.C.

7:00 PM

College of Charleston

Eastern Michigan

Cougars Host CofC Invitational to Open 2021 Campaign

8/26/2021 2:47:00 PM | Volleyball

CHARLESTON, S.C. --- The lines have been marked, jersey hang proud and the stanchions stand ready to greet a new season as the College of Charleston volleyball team prepares to welcome Eastern Michigan, Indiana State, Kennesaw State and Montana to TD Arena for the 2021 CofC Invitational to open the 2021 campaign on Friday afternoon.

The Cougars welcome four seniors and seven juniors back into the fold to lead a deep and talented roster with designs on returning the program to championship form. Charleston posted a 5-6 overall record and ranked third nationally in blocks per set (3.14) during the shortened 2020 season.

Seniors Claire Campbell and Molly Russell, along with juniors Gabi Bailey, Lexi Wierzbicki, Logan Pope and Emma Falk, combined for more than 70 percent of the Cougars' kills last season and are expected to account for many of the swings in the middle and at the pins. Falk and Campbell each received Preseason All-CAA Honorable Mention recognition after pacing Charleston's potent blocking corps with averages of 1.65 and 1.21 blocks per set in 2020.

A trio of upperclassmen return to lead a gifted group of setters in seniors Amani Dunston and Brooke Harris, as well as junior Tori Carpenter. Paced by Dunston's mark of 5.00 assists per set, the trio accounted for nearly 90 percent of the Cougars' assists last season. Juniors Caroline Pender and Cat Schmid, along with sophomores Sofie Vogel and Sammy Campion, are expected to compete for significant roles in the rotation as well.

Coach Kepner and the Cougars welcome a promising group of newcomers this season in freshmen Emma Appleman, Anna Smith, Chandler Manusky, Jasmin Goei, Tynley Smeltzer and Kaylin Collins, who are all expected to challenge for playing time right away. Sophomore Rebecca Olariu has joined the indoor roster as well after beginning her career at the College on the sand.

Charleston will play a full 27-match schedule this fall including a trio of non-conference tournaments (two at home and one at Duke) before embarking on a 16-contest slate against CAA competition beginning in mid-September.

QUICK SETS

The Cougars return four of their top five blockers last season including Falk, who set a single-season program record in 2020 with an average of 1.65 blocks per set.
Wierzbicki and Pope each averaged more than two kills per frame last season and are expected to slot into the rotation at the pins this fall.
Several Cougars will compete for playing time at the libero position following the departure of 2020 CAA Libero of the Year Logan Manusky.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS

Eastern Michigan posted an 8-12 record, all in MAC play, in 2020. The Eagles are led by third-year head coach and CofC alumna Darcy Dorton, who enters the 2021 campaign with a 19-29 overall record at EMU. Sophomores Raeven Chase and Samantha Basham are expected to lead the way at the net while sophomore setter Jayden Otto quarterbacks the offense.
Indiana State compiled a 7-11 record in Missouri Valley Conference play last season while making its first appearance in the MVC Tournament since 2017. The Sycamores were picked eighth in the MVC Preseason Poll and return seven starters from last season's squad including sophomore outside hitter Mallory Keller (2.56 kills/set).
Kennesaw State finished the 2020 slate with an 11-3 record and a 10-2 mark in Atlantic Sun play. Head coach Keith Schunzel carries a 138-80 into his ninth season at the helm and will look to 2021 All-ASUN First Team selection Lauren Chastang to lead the charge. Senior Dani Ballou, junior Emma Schurfranz and sophomore Claire Parsons are expected to fill key roles in the rotation as well.
Montana returns 10 letter-winners from last spring's squad that posted a 2-14 record exclusively in Big Sky action. Peyten Boutwell and Madi Chuhlantseff are the Grizzlies' top returning hitters after averaging 2.18 and 1.47 kills per set, respectively, last season. Head coach Allison Lawrence enters her fifth season at the helm for the Grizzlies.

QUOTABLE
"I am looking forward to a great weekend of competition. The team had an outstanding preseason and I know are excited to get the opportunity to open the season at home. We have four really good programs coming to Charleston this weekend. It will be a true test of how far this group has come during the last few weeks." – head coach Jason Kepner

FAN INFO

Admission is free of charge for all College of Charleston volleyball matches at TD Arena.
Gates will open one hour prior to first serve of the opening match each day.
College of Charleston's clear bag policy is in effect for all matches played at TD Arena this fall. The full policy can be found here.
College of Charleston has instituted a campus-wide policy mandating masks covering an individual's nose and mouth be worn at all times (unless actively eating or drinking) in public areas of all campus buildings.
There is no designated general parking area for games at TD Arena. There are various parking garages and paid lots in the vicinity of TD Arena that all spectators can utilize.
Alcohol will be available for purchase at all CofC volleyball matches this fall with last call prior to the third set of the final match each day.