Cougars Open 2024 Campaign at Carolina Classic

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The College of Charleston volleyball team begins the 2024 season on Friday, Aug. 30, at the Carolina Classic in Chapel Hill, N.C. The Cougars take on Western Carolina, host North Carolina and Cleveland State at Carmichael Arena during the weekend slate.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE:

Friday, Aug. 30: vs. Western Carolina at 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 31: at North Carolina at 6 p.m. (ACCNX)
Sunday., Sept. 1: vs. Cleveland State at 11 a.m.

OPENING SERVE:

Charleston finished the 2023 season with a 14-16 record, while going 11-7 in Coastal Athletic Association action.
The Cougars return 11 members from last season, including CAA Libero of the Year Tynley Smeltzer, who returns for her senior campaign.
CofC welcomes six transfers to the 2024 squad that bring a total of 411 career matches of experience along with one freshman.
Charleston holds a 23-10 record in season opener's since becoming Division I in 1991 and are 11-6 under Kepner.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS:

Western Carolina ended last year with a 10-18 record and 7-9 in the Southern Conference. Head coach Karen Glover returns for her 14th season and returns nine players, including five starters, from last year's roster.
The Tarheels finished the 2023 season 13-14 overall and 7-11 in the Atlantic Coast Conference in Mike Schall's first year at the helm. 10 players return from 2023, including senior Mabrey Shaffmaster, who is a three-time All-ACC selection and has 1,160 career kills.
Cleveland State enters the 2024 campaign coming off a 17-14 season and 10-8 record in the Horizon League, advancing to the conference semifinals. The Vikings are under the direction of head coach Chuck Voss, who returns for 25th season.

SERIES HISTORY:

The Cougars are set to face former SoCon foe Western Carolina for the 29th time since becoming Division I in 1991. CofC holds a 20-8 overall record, including 18 straight wins against the Catamounts, one of 13 schools the Cougars have 20-plus victories against. Friday will be the first match between the two teams since Oct. 21, 2012, a 3-1 win for Charleston.
CofC faces North Carolina for the third time in program history Saturday. The two teams played one another Dec. 2, 2005, and Sept. 9, 2006, both 3-1 wins for the Cougars. The victory in 2005 occurred in the NCAA Tournament, marking Charleston's first time advancing to the NCAA Second Round.
Charleston plays Cleveland State for the first time on Sunday, one-of-four schools in 2024 the Cougars have never played (Yale, Pacific and Utah Tech).

UP NEXT:

The Cougars begin their home slate with the CofC Invitational Sept. 6-7, welcoming Pacific, USC Upstate and Yale to the Holy City.

For complete coverage of Charleston volleyball, follow us on Facebook (/cofcvolleyball), X (@CofCVolleyball) and Instagram (@cofcvolleyball).

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