BOWIE, MD --The Bowie State women's volleyball team will officially start their 2024 season on Friday, Sep. 6 through Saturday, Sep.7 at the Shepherd University Tournament at the Butcher Athletic Center. The Bulldogs will take on Edinboro and Shepherd on Friday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., followed by a match with Glenville and Mars Hill on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

When: Friday (9/1) and Saturday (9/2)
Where: Butcher Athletic Center (Shepherdstown, WV)
Live Stats: Click HERE
Video: N/A
Bowie State Athletics Social Media: @BSU_Sports_Info (Twitter), @bowiestatebulldogs (Instagram)

A New Look
Friday's match will be Eric Poitier's third season following a 6-26 overall and 4-13 in conference play in the 2023 season. The 2024 Bulldogs roster is composed of nine newcomers including five true freshman. Additionally, BSU has two returners from the 2023 roster, Nina Edwards (First Team All-CIAA) and Madyson Brinson (Second Team All-CIAA) who are both All-Conference awardees and named to the CIAA All-Rookie Team a season ago. Edward's had a team-high of (74) blocks, while Brinson led in kills (233) last season.

Preseason Poll
The Bulldogs were voted eighth out of 12 teams in the 2024 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Conference Preseason Poll announced last Wednesday by the league office. At the top of the preseason poll sits Shaw, Fayetteville State, and Elizabeth City State, rankings one through three, respectively. Edwards was the lone Bulldog who was named to the CIAA Volleyball All-Preseason Team.

Shepherd
The Rams are led by head coach Alex Hoekstra who's entering his 10th season in 2024. Shepherd finished 14-15 overall and 9-5 record in conference play last season. When at home the Rams handled business going (5-2) in the 2023 season. Among the Preseason Polls, Shepherd was selected second in the 2024 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East.

Mars Hill
Mars Hills finished 14-12 overall and 8-10 record in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC). Led by head coach Mike Smith who's entering his fourth season. In the Preseason Coaches Polls, Mars Hill was selected seventh in the 2024 SAC.

Edinboro
Edinboro finished 14-12 overall and 9-7 in conference play last year. Led by 18th-year head coach Missy Soboleski. Edinboro was selected fifth in the PSAC West Preseason Coaches Poll for the 2024 season.

Glenville State
Glenville State entered 12-17 overall and 5-10 in conference play last season. Led by coach Kiara Perkins who's returning for her second year. The Lady Pioneers roster is composed of eight newcomers including four true freshman. In the Preseason Polls, Glenville State was selected fourth in the 2024 Mountain East Southern Division.

Up Next
Following the Shepherd Tournament, the Bulldogs will remain on the road for a match with Morgan State on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit BSUBulldogs.com.