CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel volleyball team heads to its final in-season tournament this weekend when it treks to Columbia to take part in the Carolina Classic hosted by South Carolina.
 
The Bulldogs (4-7) have the opportunity to move to .500 on the season with upcoming matches against Eastern Kentucky, Norfolk State and the Gamecocks.
 
The two-day tournament begins with a first-ever meeting with Eastern Kentucky on Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. That match is quickly followed by a pairing with Norfolk State, at 4 p.m., who The Citadel is a perfect 2-0 against all-time.
 
The Cadets conclude their trip on Saturday when they square off against South Carolina for the first time since 2010 at 3 p.m.
 
Among The Citadel's statistical leaders on offense are Bailey Kernodle (78 kills) and Ise d'Angelo (76). Kernodle has three double-digit kill performances in her last four matches including a pair of double-doubles against Southeast Missouri (14 kills, 11 digs) and Alabama State (16 kills, 13 digs).
 
Head coach Amir Khaledi's defense is also much improved from last season, due in large part to the front row blocking of Lauren Hurt (20 total blocks), Dominique Williams (19) and Rachel Keefer (16) that has resulted in 69.5 total team blocks.
 
Eastern Kentucky (8-5) dropped three of four matches last weekend, suffering setbacks to Indiana, Illinois-Chicago and Buffalo. The Colonels are led offensively by Alexis Plagens (159 kills), Rachel Vick (111) and Celina Sanks (100). Dena Ott anchors EKU's defensive efforts with 204 digs.
 
Norfolk State (0-9) is looking to rebound from a series of losses to Niagara, Pittsburgh and Duquesne in Pittsburgh, last weekend. The Spartans lineup is led by Jessica Johnson (101 kills), Darcy Moore (77 digs) and Kylee Thiim (19 total blocks).
 
South Carolina (7-2) is on a four-match winning streak that began with a sweep of Winthrop on Sept. 6. The Gamecocks are paced by Taylr McNeil (118 kills), Mikael Christiaansen (142 digs) and Darian Dozier (52 total blocks).