LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Under the direction of interim head coach Mike Shearer, the University of West Alabama volleyball team begins its 2012 schedule this weekend in Arkadelphia, Ark., at the Henderson State Tournament.
 
Playing four matches in two days, UWA opens the season against Texas A&M Commerce on Friday at 4 p.m., before facing host-school Henderson State at 6 p.m. On Saturday, the Tigers get an early start against Lemoyne-Owen at 10 a.m., and clash with Gulf South Conference foe Alabama-Huntsville at Noon.
 
“I am looking forward to seeing what our girls can do this weekend,” stated Shearer. “These four matches are about us and what we can do to improve as we move ahead. With only 11 players, I don't have a lot of options as far as the lineup goes, but I will be looking to see if we can execute what we have worked on during practice.”
 
The Tigers welcome back six players from last year's squad that went 21-11 and finished fourth in the GSC race. Among the returners are All-GSC performer Chanel Davis, sophomore outside hitter Sadie Beam, and middle blocker Tazra Pitts. A Wilmington, N.C. native, Davis led the team in blocks (101) and finished second in kills (241) in 2011. Meanwhile, Beam was solid in her freshman season with 122 kills in 103 sets played, while Pitts finished with 74 blocks on the year.
 
Joining the veteran Tigers are five newcomers who will don the Red and White for the first time. Cynthia Smith, Morgan Ray, Carly Wehling, Toni Gottschalck and Abigail McKenzie could all see playing time this week as the squad looks for production from some of the new faces on the team.
 
Fans can follow the action on live stats this weekend with each match played on Court 1 available. The Tigers play on the first court on Friday, but will play on Court 2 during Saturday's action.
 
Following this weekend's Henderson State Tournament, UWA travels to Huntsville, Ala., to participate in the UAH Tournament on Sept. 6-8.