BOILING SPRINGS, NC - After nearly a week off, the Winston-Salem State University Lady Rams (0-3) volleyball team will look to shake off some early jitters and kickstart the season when they take part in the Runnin’ Bulldogs Classic tournament hosted by Gardner-Webb. The Lady Rams will open the tournament with a tough challenge as they will face the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen in the opening round of the tournament.

The Lady Rams will need to get things going offensively this weekend. So far this season, the Lady Rams have been outscored 225-84 with only 28 team kills. With a pair of freshmen setters getting accustomed to the WSSU system, the Lady Rams spent the entire week fine tuning their offensive and defensive efforts in practice. The WSSU squad has shown some improvement in practice and could show some signs of improvement this weekend.

WSSU sophomore hitter Ashley Harris has been slowed by injury, but should be able to play this weekend. She is currently the team’s leading scorer with eight kills this season. Junior hitter Lore McBroom has come along well offensively and could give the Lady Rams an offensive spark this season. She is currently second on the team with six kills this season.

Across the net from the Lady Rams on Friday afternoon will be a strong Navy team that has opened the season winning three straight matches in the Trident Classic. The team defeated St. Francis (NY), Bryant, and USC-Upstate in the tournament. Leading the way for the Midshipment will be senior setter, Marissa Watson, the MVP of the tournament. She led the team averaging 8.67 assists per set this season along with five service aces.

The Lady Rams and the Midshipmen are scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. start on Friday afternoon. The team will face Charleston Southern (0-3) in a noon match before facing host Gardner-Webb in the final match of the tournament at 5:00 p.m.

The original story was published here: http://wssurams.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/spec-rel/090408aaa.html

Tags: ashley harris, black college volleyball, hbcu volleyball, lore mcbroom, meac, winston-salem state, winston-salem state rams