BIRMINGHAM, Ala.  – Birmingham-Southern women's volleyball is coming off a successful first year under Head Coach Haven O'Quinn.  Returning five starters from last year's NCAA tournament qualifier team, the Panthers are looking to make a move for the Southern Athletic Association title and prove themselves a regional powerhouse.

"I feel that we have a special group," said O'Quinn.  "The group we have coming back from the spring has really bought in.  And when we add the new players to the returners, we really have a roster filled with impeccable attitudes."

Returners
Providing leadership and experience for the Panthers will be senior Marjorie Ward (Winter Park, Fla./Winter Park HS).  The three-time all-conference triple-threat will be essential to BSC's offense and defense.  "Marj is really special because she plays the role of the pin hitter, but we can utilize her the way that we can a middle," said O'Quinn.

Also returning up front is All-American and first-team all-region selection Julia Denby (Gulf Breeze, Fla./Gulf Breeze HS).  The junior middle was first-team all-conference, on the SAA All-Tournament team, and finished the year nationally ranked in three categories.  "Julia brings a lot of confidence to our roster," O'Quinn noted.  "She's a true competitor, practices just as hard as she plays, just one of the most natural leaders."

Juniors Rebecca Erwin (Duluth, Ga./Duluth HS) and Milea Ray (Alabaster, Ala./Pensacola State) round out the top returning hitters from last season.  Junior Caroline Johnson (Lucas, Texas/Lovejoy HS) will anchor the Panthers back line this year.  "She takes ownership and is the captain of our defense," O'Quinn said of Johnson.  "I think she got a lot of confidence this spring.  We depend on her a lot and she killed it."

The Panthers also welcome the return of senior Jeneva Salter (Madison, Ala./Bob Jones HS).  The All-American was sidelined for the 2017 season due to injury and will be back on the court this fall.

Newcomers
After graduating its starting setter, BSC brought in Ansleigh Dailey (Daphne, Ala./Bayside Academy) and Reilly Vought (Spanish Fort, Ala./Spanish Fort HS) to battle for the position.  "We're going to have some really healthy competition," said O'Quinn.  "I think we're just excited to see who runs the offense the best.  I feel like for a program, we have really good depth for practice purposes and for people to come in and contribute.  We don't have a huge drop off in skill.  Our bench is stronger."

Schedule
The Panthers open the 2018 season in Memphis, Tenn. at the Rhodes Invitational August 31 – September 1. They then head to the WashU Bear Invite in St. Louis, Mo. September 7-8 before opening conference play on the road against Millsaps College on Wednesday, Sept. 12.  BSC opens at home with a pair of SAA matchups.  They take on Rhodes College Saturday, Sept. 15 and then Hendrix College on Sunday, both matches at noon.  The Panthers close out the regular season at the Emory National Invitational in Atlanta, Ga. October 26-27 where they will face-off against the host Eagles who finished last year ranked No. 5 in the nation.

"WashU and Emory are going to be strong tournaments for us," said O'Quinn.  "To face some teams that are ranked within the region and nationally is going to help our strength of schedule.  I think the SAA, every conference match, is equal and important."

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