CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel volleyball team begins Southern Conference play this weekend when it welcomes Mercer and Wofford to McAlister Field House.
 
The Bulldogs (5-9) open with conference newcomer Mercer on Friday at 6 p.m. It is the first meeting between the two programs since the 2010 Mercer Invitational, when the Bears emerged victorious.
 
The Citadel returns to action on Saturday when it meets in-state rival Wofford at 3 p.m. In the 33^rd all-time meeting between the two programs, the Bulldogs are looking to snap a five-match losing streak to the Terriers that dates back to a five-set loss on Sept. 15, 2012.
 
The Bulldogs split four matches last week, earning victories over South Carolina State and Norfolk State in the process. In its first month of the season, The Citadel has gotten solid offensive performances from the trio of Bailey Kernodle (110 kills), Ise d'Angelo (94) and Dominique Williams (81). Defensively the Cadets have been sparked by the combination of Amanda Rudnik (174 digs) and Lauren Hurt (eight solo blocks).
 
Mercer (3-9) enters the weekend on a six-match losing streak that dates back to a Sept. 12 setback against Ole Miss. The Bears are led offensively by Molly Locke (158 kills) and Caroline Carlton (108). Teammates Tori Penrod (194 digs) and Cara Tripp (35 total blocks) highlight Mercer's defensive efforts.
 
The Terriers (6-8) are coming off a stretch in which they played seven matches in five days, resulting in wins over Tennessee Tech, N.C. A&T, Savannah State and Converse. Wofford's statistical leaders include Taylor Baird (216 kills), Jessica Graham (253 digs) and Liz Buterbaugh (44 total blocks).