CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel volleyball team will open its 2015 season this weekend at the Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Midtown Invitational hosted by Georgia Tech at O'Keefe Gym in Atlanta.
 
On Friday, the Bulldogs will take on UT-Martin at 2:30 p.m., followed by Siena at 5 p.m. The team will compete against Costal Carolina at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and will close its weekend against Georgia Tech. at 7:30 p.m. Live stats for the tournament will be available at CitadelSports.com.
 
"We're excited to get out there, compete, and see what areas we need to grow," head coach Craig Mosqueda said. "It is a difficult slate, but we're looking forward to the competition."
 

The Bulldogs return two seniors, four juniors and five sophomores to the squad. Senior captain  Rachel Keefer led the 2014 team in appearances, boasting a .297 attack percentage and 2.04 digs per set. Junior captain Samantha Espy posted 1.89 dps in the 2014 season, including a career high 15 digs at Mercer on Oct. 31. Senior Bailey Kernodle returns to the Bulldogs after leading the team in kills for the 2014 season, with 266. She also ranked in the top five of the team in services aces with 17, blocks with 33 and digs with 142.

 
The Bulldogs welcome two freshmen to the team, including Abigail Murn and Sumerlyn Carruthers. Murn acted as a libero and defensive specialist for Lake Norman High School in Mooresville, North Carolina, and also competes on The Citadel's track and field team. Carruthers brings a high school conference championship with her and was named an All-MAC performer and to the NCISAA 2A All-State team.
 
UT-Martin opens its season against Costal Carolina at 11 a.m. on Friday, prior to playing The Citadel. The Skyhawks went 11-19 in the 2014 season, return seven players and have six newcomers.
 
Siena earned a 19-15 record in 2014, going 14-4 in the conference to claim the MAAC title. The Saints welcome four newcomers to the team after losing their entire front row to graduation.
 
Coastal Carolina returns six starters from the 2014 season, where the Chanticleers went 25-17 to claim the Big South title.
 
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets went 13-18 in the 2014 season and return five starters to the 2015 squad.
 
For more information on The Citadel Volleyball, follow @CitadelVB or visit CitadelSports.com.
 
Full Tournament Schedule
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
9:30 a.m. - UT-Martin v. Coastal Carolina
12 p.m. - GT v. Siena
2 p.m. - The Citadel v. UT-Martin
5 p.m. - Siena v. The Citadel
7:30 p.m. - GT v. Coastal Carolina
 
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
9:30 a.m. - Coastal Carolina v. Siena
12 p.m. - GT v. UT-Martin
2 p.m. - Coastal Carolina v. The Citadel
5 p.m. - Siena v. UT-Martin
7:30 p.m. - GT v. The Citadel