Ettrick, Va (Sept. 5, 2024)- The Virginia State University Volleyball team get ready to start the season as they play in the Barry Invitational in Miami Florida. The Trojans are coming off two scrimmages where they won in the preseason.
Last season VSU finished 10-18 overall and 9-8 in the CIAA. Returning for the Trojans are their All-CIAA Freshman performer Peyton Resse at setter. Last season Reese played in 23 matches and recorded 102 kills and a team high 414 assists. The team also returned Helena Eubanks for her senior season. Last season she was in the top ten in the CIAA with 210 kills and 2.66 kills per set, which both lead the team. Other returners include Taniyah Epps, Leila Jackson, Amaya Cooper, Marissa Davila and De'Mya Robinson who is coming off an injury where she only played in 13 matches. Eight newcomers hope to replace the Defensive Player of the Year Najlaa Williams and All-CIAA performer Kennedy Hoge.
The other three teams that make up the tournament are Auburn University Montgomery, Edward Waters and the host Barry. AUM last season finished last season 24-9 and 12-4 in the Gulf South Conference losing in the GSC Semifinals. AUM is projected to finish seventh in the conference coming into the year under new Head Coach Craig Case, but have two GSC Newcomer Watchlist members in Sofia Cerbuch and Carly Cooper, two junior transfers. The Warhawks must replace four All-GSC players including the Libero of the Year Kaleigh Fitzgerald.
Edward Waters finished 22-7 and 17-2 in SIAC losing in the Championship game last season in their second year competing int he conference. The Tigers are predicted to finish second in the east division of the SIAC. EWU looks to replace the Player of the Year Fatima Ramirez and the Setter of the Year Mataiya Barber. The Tigers enter this season with a young team having 13 under classmen and 11 of those players being true freshmen.
The host Barry rounds out the teams having a record of 11-18 and 5-15 in the Sunshine State Conference. This upcoming season the Buccaneers are predicted to finish seventh with returning Second-Team All-American and First-Team All-SSC player in Outside Hitter Diana Akopova and Freshman of the Year Outside Hitter Vavara Osychenko both looking to make huge contributions. In total the Bucs return 10 players and five starters.
To keep up with all the action click this link to go to the Barry Invitational Page on the Barry Website. VSU starts the tournament by playing AUM on Friday September 6 at 12:30 and Edward Waters at 3:30. They then finish the tournament by playing Barry Saturday September 7 at 12.
