Mercer Opens Season at Gamecock Invitational

Friday, August 25

Columbia, S.C.

7 p.m. ET

Mercer University

South Carolina

Photo by: Southern Conference

8/24/2017 4:20:00 PM | Volleyball

By: Mary Bess Skinner

MACON, Ga. – The Mercer volleyball team kicks off the 2017 season this weekend with three matches at the Gamecock Invitational in Columbia, S.C. Mercer's first match will be on Friday, Aug. 25 against South Carolina at 7 p.m., followed by facing North Florida at 10 a.m. and Troy at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26.

FRIDAY VS. SOUTH CAROLINA
Date/Time: Aug. 25 @ 7 p.m.
Location: Columbia, S.C.
Follow Along: gamecocksonline.com/livestats
Twitter Updates: @MercerBearsVB

SATURDAY VS. NORTH FLORIDA
Date/Time: Aug. 26 @ 10 a.m.
Location: Columbia, S.C.
Follow Along: gamecocksonline.com/livestats
Twitter Updates: @MercerBearsVB

SATURDAY VS. TROY
Date/Time: Aug. 26 @ 4 p.m.
Location: Columbia, S.C.
Follow Along: gamecocksonline.com/livestats
Twitter Updates: @MercerBearsVB

SCOUTING SOUTH CAROLINA
After upsetting No. 21 Missouri last season the Gamecocks went on to lose their final four matches against Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas, and Ole Miss. Coming off of an 18-12 overall record in 2016 and finishing ninth in the conference the Gamecocks also lost five seniors. However, they welcome four newcomers and are all led by the sophomore Mikayla Shields, who played a freshman season that was noted as one of the best ranked in program history. She leads the team with 341 kills. The Gamecocks are picked seventh in the SEC Preseason Poll for the 2017 season.

SCOUTING NORTH FLORIDA
North Florida's current sophomore and former ASUN Freshman of the Year Gabby O'Connell became the first player in the ASUN history to earn five freshman of the week honors because of her 13 double-doubles. North Florida lost in the first round of the ASUN Tournament to USC Update, 3-1, but are selected fourth in the preseason ranking poll for this year's conference. The Ospreys went 18-14 overall in their 2016 season. Other key players for the Ospreys are Madilyn McCarty, being the leader in assists with 849 total, and Ashley LaBorde who helps the defensive end totaling 319 digs last season.

SCOUTING TROY
The Trojans went 10-23 overall in the 2016 season. After losing three starters and a head coach, the Trojans welcome a brand new team guided by first year head coach Josh Lauer and five newcomers (four freshmen and one sophomore transfer.) Logan Page leads the offense with 207 kills with Bethany Cullity's defensive skills by her side (343 digs). The Lady Trojans were picked sixth on the east division side of the Sun Belt.

NOTABLES

The Bears welcome a new coaching staff with Head Coach Derek Schroeder, Assistant Coach Kate Morrell and Volunteer Coach Carly Klingler.
Mercer went 15-14 (7-9 SoCon) last year.
Two key starters were lost after last season, however the Bears are returning five starters.
The Bears went 1-2 in last year's season-opening invitational at Charlotte Invite, picking up a 3-1 win against Charlotte in second match.
Mercer is picked seventh for preseason coaches' poll in the SoCon.
Junior middle blocker Paige Alsten is crucial to Mercer's defensive front line by leading the Bears with 104 blocks last year. Alsten is also picked for the Preseason All-SoCon Team.
Senior outside hitter Morgan MacGilvary will complement the offensive side, seeing as she led the Bears last season in total points (446.5).
Veteran setter Claire Waliczek will be key to the Orange and Black's success this season. The senior appeared in all 29 matches and 113 sets played during her junior season. She finished second on the team with 532 assists during the 2016 season.
Four freshman will join the fold for Mercer this season: setter Maddie Nunley, outside hitter Kacy Ogden, outsider hitter Sarah Stewart, and libero/defensive specialist Emilee Wissmach.

Follow the Bears
For complete coverage of Mercer Volleyball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerBearsVB (Twitter), and @mercervolleyball (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.