WILMINGTON, NC – UNCW opens its third season under the direction of Head Coach Dottie Hampton this week when it hosts the Seahawk Volleyball Classic beginning on Friday.
Joining the Seahawks are Coastal Carolina, Davidson and Virginia Tech. Coastal and Davidson open the tournament at 3 pm on Friday followed by the Seahawks and Hokies at 6 pm All matches will be played in Hanover Hall and admission is free.
Seven newcomers dot the Seahawk roster while three starters return from last season.
Senior Katie Lanz was tabbed by the Colonial Athletic Association coaches as an honorable mention preseason All-CAA selection. Lanz averaged 2.56 kills per set as a junior and her 251 kills were a career high.
Other returning starters are seniors Brooke Hanshumaker and sophomore Grace Melnick. Hanshumaker led the UNCW frontline in blocks with 73 while Melnick, who competed with Canada’s national team this summer, added 43 as a freshman.
A pair of transfers will look to make an immediate impact with setter Morgan Galligan and middle Caitlyn Callahan joining the program. Galligan played her first two seasons at Hartford while Callahan was a highly decorated freshman at Division II Millersville.
Aug. 26-27 Seahawk Classic
Aug. 26, Davidson vs. Coastal Carolina, 3 p.m
Aug. 26, Virginia Tech at UNCW, 6 p.m
Aug. 27, Davidson at UNCW, 9 a.m
Aug. 27, Virginia Tech vs. Coastal Carolina, noon
Aug. 27, Davidson vs. Virginia Tech, 3 p.m
Aug. 27, Coastal Carolina at UNCW, 6 p.m