ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Volleyball begins the 2018 season Friday and Saturday in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as they partake in the Virginia Wesleyan Invitational. The War Hawks are scheduled to play four games over the weekend.

The first match for the War Hawks sees them go up against host Virginia Wesleyan College at noon (CDT) Friday before wrapping up the evening versus Penn State Berks at 4 p.m. (CDT). McMurry concludes its opening weekend Saturday at 8:30 a.m. (CDT) against Geneva College (Pa.) and at 10:30 a.m. (CDT) against Randolph-Macon College.

Live stats and video links can be found at mcmurrysports.com.

NOTES:

Last season: McMurry finished last year 24-10 overall and 11-5 in American Southwest Conference play to finish second in the ASC West Division, but were ineligible for postseason play. The War Hawks did, however, advance to the National Christian College Athletic Association national tournament.

Pre-season Poll: The War Hawks were picked to finish third in the ASC West Division in the 2018 pre-season poll. McMurry received three first place votes and 90 points, just two behind second-place Concordia University Texas.

Players to Watch: Two War Hawks were named to the ASC Pre-season "Watch List." Junior middle blocker Justice McGowan led the team in kills per set, blocks and attacking percentage in addition to being named to the ASC West Division first team a year ago. Senior libero Odalis Rodriguez was also named to the list, having led McMurry in digs and service aces last season. Rodriguez is also a two-time All-ASC West Division performer.

About Virginia Wesleyan: The Marlins finished 2017 with a 19-10 overall record, 8-3 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. The War Hawks defeated the Marlins in their only ever meeting, 3-1, in 2011.  

About Penn State Berks: This will be the first ever meeting between the War Hawks and Nittany Lions. Berks finished 2017 14-14 overall, 8-1 North Eastern Athletic Conference.

About Geneva College: Geneva College will be another first-time opponent for the War Hawks. The Tornadoes finished 2017 13-21 overall, 10-8 Presidents' Athletic Conference.

About Randolph-Macon: The Yellow Jackets ended 2017 with a trip to the NCAA Tournament, finishing 23-7 overall, 11-0 ODAC. The two teams have split the two previous games, with McMurry last defeating the Yellow Jackets in 2008.

Head Coach Cammie Petree: Head Coach Cammie Petree enters her 23^rd season as the head coach for the War Hawks. She is the program's all-time wins leader with a career record of 401-259 (.608).