Greenville, S.C. – The Furman volleyball team officially kicks off its 2024 season this weekend hosting the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, UTRGV Vaqueros, and Charlotte 49ers as part of the Furman Invite at Alley Gymnasium.

The Paladins start the weekend out on August 30 facing Charleston Southern at 12 p.m. and UTRGV at 6:30 p.m. Furman closes out tournament play on August 31 with a 1 p.m. first serve versus Charlotte.

Fans can follow the action on www.furmanpaladins.com via live stats. Friday's match versus UTRGV and Saturday's contest against Charlotte will be streamed via paid subscription on ESPN+. Updates will also be posted on the Furman volleyball Twitter page (@FurmanVB).

Led by 25^th-year head coach Michelle Young, the Paladins return an experienced roster in 2024 which features 13 letterwinners highlighted by six starters in Ava Augustson, Izzy Castelloe, Lauren Haynes, Mary Beth Headley, Grainne McGrath, and Lindsay Walch.

Furman enters the season picked fourth in the SoCon after posting a 17-11 overall record last year while going 8-8 in the league. The Paladins finished fifth in the conference standings. Headley was a preseason All-SoCon pick this year after earning second team citations last season. Castelloe, Walch, and Emily Navarro were all selected to the SoCon All-Freshman Team.

Furman got its season started on August 24 with an exhibition contest versus Lander at Alley Gymnasium. Walch led the Paladins with 12 kills while 11 different players recorded at least one kill. Navarro, Eva Wheeler, and Quinn Morrissey combined for 52 of the team's 61 assists. Morrissey finished with a double-double after leading the team with 11 digs.

UTRGV concluded last season with a 19-12 overall record, while Charlotte was 11-20 and Charleston Southern 9-19.

Furman is facing Charleston Southern for the 37^th time in program history and Charlotte for the 29^th. The Paladins lead the all-time series over Charleston Southern, 24-12, and Charlotte, 17-11. Furman will take on UTRGV for the first time in program history.

The Paladins travel to Spartanburg on Wednesday, September 4 for a 6 p.m. first serve at USC Upstate.