The Fighting Tigers host their first home match of the season

CUTHBERT, Ga. -- The Andrew College volleyball program will play their first home match this Thursday, September 1, against Point University JV. The match will begin at 6:30pm and will be presented livestream by the Andrew College Digital Network at https://youtu.be/y5bz87hamwo.

In a rebuilding year, Coach Rountree brought in twelve freshmen to round out the fourteen player squad. The returning sophomores, Shay Oliver and Tara Rogers both starters in 2015, bring experience and leadership to this young squad. Oliver returns as Middle Blocker, while Rogers has transitioned quickly from the outside to the middle. Coach Rountree says, "Tara's quickness and ups make her a natural in the middle." Joining these two as a Middle Blocker is 6'2" Alexis Allison of Columbus, GA. Andrew has added height to the Outside, as well, with 5'11" Morgan Vandergriff of Monroe, GA, 5'11" Hannah Messick of Leesburg, GA, and 5'9" Macie Kirby of Athens. GA. Gianna Basulto of Land O' Lakes, FL and Aishwarya Palekar of Alpharetta, GA, two extremely athletic and smart setters, round out the Andrew offense. Coach Rountree expects great things from this combination of setters and hitters. She says, "These girls have meshed very quickly. They trust each other and believe in their team." Also joining the Fighting Tigers this season are defensive players, Audree Alford of Jonesboro, GA, Lexi Ellisor of Goshen, AL, Alondra Quintero of Dalton, GA, and Delaney Bell of Calhoun, GA. These ladies bring much needed back row experience with them to Andrew, said Coach Rountree. "All have played both defensive specialist and libero for their high schools and Junior Olympic volleyball clubs." Rounding out the squad are utility players, Kristen Moore of Savannah, GA and Ashley West of Cartersville, GA. Coach Rountree feels that their athleticism and versatility make them quickly adaptable as offensive and defensive players.

Coach Rountree says that while her squad is heavy with freshmen, it is also gifted with the Rookie Rush. "These girls are both optimist and eager to play. They bring so much desire and energy to the court. They are ready to win!"