April 30, 2008

KENNESAW, Ga.-For the first time in program history, the Kennesaw State volleyball team will host a tournament at the KSU Convocation Center. "Owls Fest" highlights the schedule of opponents released by head coach Valerie Jones this week.

"We've typically had to travel out of state to play in tournaments, so our team is really excited about getting to stay at home and host a tournament for the first time," said Coach Jones.

The Owls will travel to Colorado Springs, Colo., for a tournament hosted by Air Force to begin the season before hosting Owls Fest the following weekend. Due to changes in the Atlantic Sun Conference schedule for 2008, those are the only two tournaments the Owls will play in this season.

The Black and Gold will see each A-Sun opponent twice this season, as the conference has changed the format of its schedule to a double round-robin. KSU will have home and away matches against every conference opponent.

"The double round-robin schedule is different, but it also gives an indication of who are the best teams in the conference," said Coach Jones. "Our goal is to be at the top of the standings when the regular season is complete."

The Owls will have non-conference matches against regional rivals Georgia State, Chattanooga, Southern Miss, Wofford and Presbyterian, in addition to non-conference tilts against Butler, Austin Peay, Loyola, Air Force and Buffalo.

"I feel we have a good balance in our non-conference schedule that will help us prepare for the A-Sun teams we will be facing," Coach Jones stated.

The Owls will start play in late August, with the season continuing through mid-November. Times and dates for the 2008 season will be released in June.

Road Non-Conference Opponents
Air Force
Buffalo
Southern Miss
Georgia State
Presbyterian

Home Non-Conference Opponents
Butler
Austin Peay
Loyola
Southern Miss
Wofford
Chattanooga

Atlantic Sun Conference Opponents
Stetson
Florida Gulf Coast
North Florida
Jacksonville
Campbell
East Tennessee State
USC Upstate
Lipscomb
Belmont
Mercer