RALEIGH, N.C. -- The William Peace volleyball team sets off to open their 2018 season on the road at the 24th Annual Cougar Classic at Averett University. The first day of games will take place on Friday, August 31 with the first match against Guilford starting at 5:00 p.m.

"We are looking forward to opening our season up at the 24th Annual Cougar Classic. This is a great tournament to open the season with and our team is excited and ready to get the season underway," shared Coach Barringer. "As a first time head coach, I couldn't be happier with how the team has progressed throughout preseason and how they have meshed as a team. We have great team chemistry which I hope will translate during games from both the bench and on the court."

The Pacers enter the season coming off of a historic finish, closing their 2017 year in the semifinals of the USA South Conference Tournament. The Pacers fell to the Scots of Covenant College who went on to win the USA South Tournament.

The Pacers return nine to the 2018 season after losing key senior contributors, Carson Williams, Lindsay Alford, Liana Solomon, and Josie Richardson. The Pacers welcome in six new Pacers to their team this fall. Barrett Davis, Jasmine Smith, McLendyn Weathersby, Madison Myers, Emily Braxton, and Michaela Cabe, represent the incoming freshman class. Merica Ivey '16 will return to assist on the sidelines in her second season with the Pacers.

"We lost a few key players last year that graduated but the upper classmen have stepped up in replacing those roles and we have a some talented freshman that will contribute as well. Some of our returners have experience from playing last year, but some of them are in different roles this season. The team understands that we have a goal, and to achieve that goal we have to accept the role of where we are needed which has led to some people being moved into new positions.  They have responded very well and our freshman have complimented our returners very well. I am very excited to see this team excel this season," Barringer expressed.

All William Peace games can be tracked this weekend with Averett's live stats.

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