Link to GSC Release:  |  Volleyball

JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University volleyball team looks to make noise this season in league play. This season, however, is a little different as the Lady Bulldogs will begin play as active members of the NCAA Division II and Gulf South Conference (GSC). The last two seasons, Union has played full NCAA and GSC schedules, but could not advance to conference, regional, or national postseason play in the NCAA or GSC. That all changes this season now that the membership process has come to an end. 
                        
This marks the first time Union has been an active NCAA member since 1970. Union has left their mark in several sports at the NCAA level many years go. Union baseball won the NCAA Small College National Title in 1963 with runner up finishes in '64 and '61. The men's basketball team finished runner up in NCAA DII Region Tournament in 1968 to eventual national champion Kentucky Wesleyan. Other sports such as football and track and field also completed in NCAA play.
 
The Union volleyball was picked to finish ninth in the preseason poll by the coaches. Last season, Union made vast improvements from two years ago. The team posted a few extra league wins but played the tough GSC schedule much tighter.
 
Now in his second year, head coach Tripp Swisher  believes that with the addition of extra players to add talent and depth, this team can climb the standings this season. "There is much excitement for the coming season due to the fact that we only graduated one player and are returning everyone that had significant minutes last year," Swisher said. "This team took a really good step last year in realizing their potential and turning the page to becoming a winning program again. As full members of the NCAA and the Gulf South Conference, we now face the challenge of raising our standards and expectations to an even higher level to compete for a conference title."
 
Union returns all six starters, plus the libero from last season. Union also adds three freshmen (Ceciley "CeCe" Blanchard, Janelle Vest, Courtney Masters) along with senior transfer Kiara Montgomery to the roster. Union opens their season September 5 at the Henderson State (Ark.) Classic. Union plays their first home match September 12 at 7:00 p.m. versus conference foe West Alabama.
 
Follow along with Union sports all season long online at www.uuathletics.com. Fans can also receive updates and special features on Facebook (www.facebook.com/UUAthletics), Twitter (www.twitter.com/UUAthletics), and via text message (www.uuathletics.com/text).
 
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