COLUMBUS, Miss. – The W women's volleyball team kicks-off the spring 2021 season at the Big Easy Blastoff tournament hosted by Xavier University in New Orleans, La. During the one-day event, the Owls will take on Xavier and Our Lady of the Lake University on Friday, Feb. 5.

"After putting a stop to the fall season due to the pandemic," said head coach Brooke Carter," the team is looking forward to seeing their hard work on the court against an actual opponent. They have made the effort and have been consistent at practice for months, and it is time to see them in action."

The Owls return three experienced starters in sophomore middle blocker Iyana Canada, senior setter Madison Lamon, and senior middle blocker Tori Weir, with Lamon and Weir being significant anchors for the past three seasons. Coupled with an excellent newcomer class, The W is predicted to have one of the most successful seasons since the program's restart in 2017.

Xavier has already played five games in the 2020-21 season for a 3-2 record. The Gold Nuggets had 3-0 victories over Dillard University and Loyola University – New Orleans, and a 3-2 win over William Carey University. XULA's losses include a 3-0 defeat at Loyola – NO and a 3-2 nail-biter versus WCU. Players to look out for on the Gold Nuggets side of the net will be senior setter Eva Le Guillou, sophomore middle blocker Maya Smith, and freshman defensive specialist and outside hitter Kennedy Wade.

Our Lady of the Lake has seen action in three matches for a 2-1 start to the season. OLLU defeated Jarvis Christina College twice, 3-0, and has one 3-2 defeat versus Wayland Baptist University. Players to watch include senior setter Anissa Tamez, sophomore outside hitter Sadie Ballesteros, freshman middle blocker Anastasia Brown, and senior outside hitter Kalani Ketchens.

The Owls first match in the Big Easy Blastoff is set for 2 p.m. against Xavier. A 4 p.m. competition against Our Lady of the Lake will follow. Live stats and live streams will be accessible on the Owls volleyball schedule page as soon as they become available.