LAKE CHARLES—McNeese volleyball will open its 2016 season this weekend at the Southern Miss Invitational, the first of four regular season tournaments on the Cowgirl schedule.
 
McNeese will open tournament play against the host team, Southern Miss at 7:30 p.m. Friday. McNeese will play two matches on Saturday with a 10 a.m. match against Tulane and a 3:30 p.m. match against Grambling.
 
"We are really looking forward to our season opener against Southern Miss on Friday and then our Saturday matches against Tulane and Grambling. I'm excited to see this team play following the hard work they have done in the preseason," said head coach Ashleigh Fitzgerald.
 
The Cowgirls are a much improved from last season and have more depth at all positions. What the Cowgirls lack in experience, they will make up with skill, heart and guts.
 
Returning for the Cowgirls from last season will be seniors Bridget Justis, Hailee Showers and Rebekah Korenek, juniors Adison Giambrone, Rae Myers, and junior college transfer Jenny D'Alessandro, sophomores Ebony Lewis and Alexandra Aguilera. The freshmen that will be making their collegiate debut are Kaitlyn Gertz, Angela McGownd, Haley Schneider, Katelyn Elliott, and Keegan Nelms. Sophomore Shanna Spree and freshman Allison Lippert will spend the season as redshirts.
 
"We have some really good freshmen that will see a lot of playing time along with a junior college transfer that led the nation in blocks per set last season. The competition at all positions has been really good and that's a good sign," Fitzgerald said.
 
Following the Southern Miss Tournament, McNeese will remain on the road for a 2 p.m. match at Mississippi State on Sunday to close out the first week of play. This match will be streamed on SECN+. Links to live stats and streaming can be found on mcneesesports.com.