BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Sisterhood returns to action this fall as the Bulldogs vie for their fourth-straight Southern Conference Tournament title with a 27-match regular season schedule that opens this weekend at the Clemson Invite.
 
NOTES
Opponent: North Carolina A&T  
Date: Friday, August 27
Location: Clemson, S.C.  
Site: Jervey Gym
Time: 4 PM CT
 
Opponent: Clemson
Date: Saturday, August 28
Location: Clemson, S.C.
Site: Jervey Gym
Time: 10 AM CT
 
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It's officially volleyball season in Magic City, and the Bulldogs' quest for another league title begins with a strong nonconference slate. Samford heads to Clemson, S.C. to take on the Aggies of North Carolina A&T and the Tigers in a pair of matches on opening weekend. Samford is coming off a double championship spring, where they swept the SoCon regular season and tournament titles, and made an NCAA Tournament appearance. The Aggies return following a strong spring campaign capped with a MEAC title and an NCAA Tournament berth.
 
The Bulldogs had a tune-up exhibition against Alabama Saturday, August 21, where the teams played four sets in the Pete Hanna Center. "We were really pleased," head coach Keylor Chan said of the performances at the exhibition. "Overall, I thought the kids that we were targeting that have earned the right to play did really well, and some kids that we are developing had some good things to work on."
 
The Bulldogs played 15 of their rostered student-athletes against Alabama, looking particularly strong in the second set topping Bama 25-19. Samford, like many other teams across the country, is coming off a relatively quick turnaround, having just wrapped the spring season in April. Chan and his staff are approaching this unique situation carefully heading into the traditional fall season. "We are trying to be mindful how much wear and tear is on everyone at this time going through this. At the end of the day we still have to do what we have to do, but we have tried to put some things in place to mitigate the fatigue."
 
The Bulldogs lost key seniors from last year's squad including setter Corinne Meglic and middle blocker Sierra Rayzor, but the upperclassmen laden roster has set this fall team up for success. "I definitely believe you are only as good as your upperclassmen," said Chan. "When you have good upperclassmen, they understand the culture you are trying to build and what you are trying to get across. We are excited about them leading the program." The Bulldogs host of upperclassmen include seniors Lauren Deaton and Briana Holmes, as well as juniors, Sarah Hayes Farley, Andie Salasky, Emily Naubert and Kenya McQuirter who are all set to play valuable roles for the Dogs this season. 
 
Sophomore Kayla Keshock is poised to be the Bulldogs' starting setter following a freshman season where she was called on to take over the setting duties, gaining valuable experience in her rookie campaign with the opportunity to set in the SoCon and NCAA Tournaments. "We are excited about Kayla, she handled a very difficult situation for any athlete last year bouncing from opposite to setter and back-and-forth. She is doing some really great things, and we are excited to see her develop and put her take on her time wearing the jersey and pushing the legacy forward."
 
The nonconference schedule boasts four power-five matchups at Clemson and Florida State, and then LSU will make the trek to Birmingham to face the Bulldogs on September 17. Samford will also see action against Ole Miss at the Western Kentucky Invite, before the SoCon slate opens at the end of September.
 
"We are purposely trying to test ourselves," said Chan. "We want to see how we compare with teams who have made the NCAA Tournament or are talking in that way, and have shown the ability to put their programs in those situations. It is no stranger that this is a really tough nonconference schedule we put together and we are going to be tested for sure."
 
As the SoCon continues to build strong volleyball programs across the league, the Bulldogs look to continue their dominance when conference play rolls around. Coach Chan likes where the league is headed and knows a challenge awaits as the Bulldogs begin their journey to a fourth SoCon Tournament title in as many seasons. "We need to do what we need to do, and stay humble in the process and realize that everyone has the opportunity to beat anyone on any night. Hopefully we'll come out the other side the right way."
 
As the Bulldogs gear up for the season, fans can get ready for the Bulldogs' return to the Pete by purchasing season or single game tickets by visiting samfordtickets.com! The Bulldogs will face Kennesaw State on September 14 in the regular season home opener.

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For the latest news and information on Samford volleyball, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordVolleyball (Facebook), @SamfordVB (Instagram) and @SamfordVB (Twitter).