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A NEW SEASON BEGINS
The Southern Connecticut State University volleyball team opens the 2008 season on August 28 with a doubleheader against the New York Institute of Technology and Bloomfield in Old Westbury, N.Y. The Owls take on New York Institute of Technology at 3 p.m. and Bloomfield at 5 p.m. On August 30, the Owls then compete in another doubleheader when they travel to Lakewood, N.J. to face Georgian Court and Molloy.

RETURNING A STRONG CORE
SCSU will have some veteran experience this year with eight returning players from last year's squad.

WELCOME ABOARD
The Owls welcome nine newcomers to this year's team including freshmen Megan Lyons, Laura Garbarino, Chelsea Callahan, Leah Filonuk, Ashleigh Scully and Andrea Nolan, sophomore Broghan Miller and juniors Jenna Tammel and Sarah Houseknecht.

IN THE NORTHEAST-10 PRESEASON POLL
The Owls have been ranked 12th in this year's Northeast-10 Preseason Coaches Poll.

THE CAPTAINS
Seniors Maria Arenas and Nekane Mendizabal have been named team captains for the 2008 season.

IN LAST YEAR'S SEASON OPENER
SCSU rallied from a 2-1 deficit in last year's season opener against Bloomfield to win by the score of 3-2. Nekane Mendizabal tallied a double-double for the Owls in the win.

THE UPWARD CLIMB CONTINUED
The Owls improved on their overall win total for the fourth straight year by virtue of an 11 win campaign in 2007.

OWLS ON THE HONOR ROLL
The Owls had four student-athletes earn recognition on the Northeast-10 conference weekly honor roll during the 2007 season. Nekane Mendizabal was selected on Sept. 3 and Sept. 9. Ashley Coombs was recognized on Sept. 3 as well, while Lauren Coombs was tabbed on Sept. 23. In addition, three Owls were tabbed for the conference Commissioner's Honor Roll following the season - Marcia Hollingsworth, Alianna Lannigan and Nekane Mendizabal.

COMEBACK KIDS
Of the team's 11 victories in 2007, four came after trailing in the match by at least one game. The final occurrence came on Sept. 22 against Le Moyne, when the Owls dropped the first two games before rallying for a 3-2 victory. It was the first time in program history that the Owls had defeated Le Moyne.

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE
Sophomore Robin Priest enjoys double duty as a member of the softball team as well as the volleyball squad.

ON DECK
The Owls return to action Sept. 2 for the home opener against Caldwell. Game time is set for 7 p.m.