Volleyball Opens Season at TSU Invitational

SHAWNEE – Oklahoma Baptist opens the 2018 season on the road in Stephenville, Texas, as they take part in the Tarleton State Invitational. The Lady Bison kick off the Invitational Friday, Aug. 24 against Midwestern State at 10 a.m. and Southwest Baptist at 3 p.m.
 
Offensively, the Lady Bison will feature strength on the outside as both Mikayla Watson and Malia Leatherland return for their sophomore seasons. Watson averaged 3.4 kills per set last season, while Leatherland is the second-leading outside among returners after turning in 2.55 kills/set in 2017. Senior Hayden Blair returns after 9.6 assists/set and 2.54 digs/set last year.
 
With Cadyn Laing now on the sidelines for Midwestern State as a graduate assistant, the Lady Bison will rely on Nicole Fleitman to play strong at the net. The senior middle blocker averaged .89 blocks/set last season, paired with 1.85 kills/set. On the back row, Kelsi Chavez returns after leading the team with an average of 4.89 digs/set last year as a true freshman.
 
Midwestern State finished 2017 with a 15-16 record, and are picked to finish eighth in the Lone Star Conference this year. Rockelle Gholson, who averaged 2.24 kills/set, leads the Mustangs offensively, while Erin Richburg will help the defense after posting 2.41 digs/set.
 
Southwest Baptist wrapped up 2017 with a dismal 2-30 record and are tabbed to finish 12th in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Leading the charge offensively for the Bearcats is Dana Neal who averaged 2.26 kills/set and will look for good service from setter Brea Freeman (5.9 assists/set). The Bearcats opponents average 13.1 kills/set last season.