VIDEO: Kirby Ellis Interview

Carson-Newman Volleyball Match Notes

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – To begin its 2015 regular season, the Carson-Newman volleyball team ventures to Allendale, Mich. to take part in the Laker Riverfront Classic for four games beginning Friday afternoon with a 2 p.m. first serve against Quincy. Later Friday evening, the Eagles challenge the host school, Grand Valley State. A noon and 4 p.m. match Saturday against Lock Haven and Bemidji State wrap up the first weekend.

"We are really excited," Ellis said. "It's our kickoff weekend. The girls have been looking forward to this since we went to San Francisco last year. They give up so much time traveling and putting in so much work that we really want to give them an opportunity to start off the year well in competition but also have a great opportunity to team bond and have some fun too."

The Eagles are looking to replace five All-South Atlantic Conference selections and three All-Southeast Region picks from the 2014 team. 87.4 percent of the team's total kills from a year ago is gone representing seven of the team's top-eight kill's leaders.

One of the most prolific players in Carson-Newman history, setter Kristen Pickett, graduated and sophomore Anna Patton (Franklin, Tenn.) takes over command.

"Anna Patton is doing great in practice," Ellis said. "We are working so hard in practice and we are going against ourselves so it will be to see another team. In practice she has been working hard and putting in extra work. We have loved having Kristen Pickett there giving feedback and be that voice of encouragement. She can do this. She is ready. We have complete confidence in her that she is going to do well."

Junior libero Taylor Lowe (Franklin, Tenn.) provides stability in the back row having been the Carson-Newman starter since the day she walked on campus. The preseason second-team All-SAC pick will join tally her 1,000^th dig early this weekend as she is three digs shy of that mark.

Carson-Newman is 13-10 in season openers all-time. Dating back to 2006, the Eagles have won eight of their last nine lidlifters with the lone blemish coming in a five-set loss to Francis Marion to begin the 2012 season. The Eagles have started a season 4-0 on three occasions (2004, 2007 and 2010). In 2007,
Carson-Newman began the season 13-0, its best start ever.

Quincy finished the 2014 season with an 11-18 record, but won eight of its last 11 matches to end the year. The Hawks have been picked sixth in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

The Hawks return four starters including Bekah Raebel who was second on the team in kills per set with 2.24 per frame and their top two setters, Miranda Rodriguez (5.43 assists per set) and Rachael Binash (4.60).

Grand Valley State went 27-6 in 2014 losing in the Final Four to fourth-ranked Southwest Minnesota St. in three sets after sweeping Wingate. It was the school's sixth Final Four appearance.

Head coach Deanne Scanlon is in her 21st season as head coach with a career record of 526-153 (.775) leading the Lakers to 20 straight winning seasons. She led Grand Valley State to the national championship in 2005.

Betsy Ronda leads the returners after averaging 2.80 kills per set with 2013 AVCA third-team All-American Kaleigh Lound who averages over one block per set in her career.

Lock Haven was picked second in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference preseason poll after a 20-11 finish to 2014.

Three All-PSAC players return for 2015. Senior setter Jessica Brown ranked 14th in Division II a season ago with 1,199 assists and 53 service aces.

Bemidji State was picked 14th in Northern Sun preseason coaches' poll after a 5-23 2014.

Junior outside hitter Jessica Yost leads the returnees after piling up 300 kills in 2014 to go along with seven double-doubles.

"Our expectations are high obviously coming off of our season last year," Ellis said. "We've been practicing hard. We are excited to see Grand Valley. We've been going hard and I think we are ready."

Fans are encouraged to follow @CNathletics and @CarsonNewmanVB on Twitter for live updates throughout all four matches including postgame recaps following each day.

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