University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Saturday, August 17
Southern Miss Wellness Center
2 p.m.
Southern Miss
vs
Black & Gold Scrimmage
Volleyball Prepares for 2024 Season with Black & Gold Scrimmage
8/16/2024 10:33:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
HATTIESBURG, Miss.- Southern Miss Volleyball will showcase its team for the upcoming season on Saturday at 2 p.m. with the annual Black & Gold Scrimmage at the Wellness Center.
Head coach Jenny Hazelwood kicks off her third season with the Golden Eagles after finishing the 2023 season with a 12-16 (7-9 SBC) record. Nine of the 12 overall wins last season were won in three straight sets, four of those being conference wins.
The Golden Eagles unveil eight additions to its 2024 roster, while 10 athletes return, resulting in a spread of talent and experience.
This season's returners include graduate student Aysu Dalogullari and seniors Izzy Kronenberg and Kallie Siebrasse. Madison Baldridge, a graduate student from App State, also joins the roster with a recorded 257 kills throughout her career there.
The Golden Eagles round out their upperclassmen with junior transfer Brynn Botkin. An outside hitter from Louisiana Monroe, Botkin brings experience with a career total of 473 kills and 443 digs.
Making up for half of the roster, the sophomore class brings young talent while perfecting their craft in the off-season. The sophomore class consists of returners Sadie McAda, Maggie Sewell, Francesca Panunzio, Torrey Tkach, Lillie Johnson, Mara Schmidt and Hayden Riddle. Panunzio, anchoring the offense with 505 assists in her first year, holds well to contribute that consistency to the Golden Eagles.
The Golden Eagles added Sunni Sheppard to the roster as well, a libero transfer from Houston. Sheppard, a Mississippi native, returns to her home state and joins previous high-school teammate Emily Davis, both being new additions this year.
In addition to Davis starting her freshman year, joined by her is Aubrey Judd, Kaylee Lowther, Lindsey Smith and Ella Ward. All bring talent to the table and look to develop their roles for the season.
While having a diverse roster of newcomers, returners, and transfers, Hazelwood has confidence in her team's conjoined efforts.
"The team has constantly worked hard and pushed to be the best they can be, and I know it will show on the court," said Hazelwood.
The scrimmage will be an opportunity for the Golden Eagles to get the ball rolling for the season, as well as give the players an opportunity to get into the intensity of what a season brings.
"We have had an outstanding preseason so far, and we are looking forward to getting in a game-like environment this weekend," said Hazelwood.
The Golden Eagles will kick off the regular season with a home tournament on Aug. 30-31, including matches against Northwestern State, Jacksonville and Southern University.
Tickets are still available for the 2024 season this fall. Fans can purchase tickets at SouthernMissTickets.com, by calling 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or visit the Pat Ferlise Ticket Office on campus weekdays during normal business hours.
To keep up with your Golden Eagles, follow the team on Facebook, (Southern Miss Volleyball), Instagram (@southernmissvb), and X (@SouthernMissVB).
Head coach Jenny Hazelwood kicks off her third season with the Golden Eagles after finishing the 2023 season with a 12-16 (7-9 SBC) record. Nine of the 12 overall wins last season were won in three straight sets, four of those being conference wins.
The Golden Eagles unveil eight additions to its 2024 roster, while 10 athletes return, resulting in a spread of talent and experience.
This season's returners include graduate student Aysu Dalogullari and seniors Izzy Kronenberg and Kallie Siebrasse. Madison Baldridge, a graduate student from App State, also joins the roster with a recorded 257 kills throughout her career there.
The Golden Eagles round out their upperclassmen with junior transfer Brynn Botkin. An outside hitter from Louisiana Monroe, Botkin brings experience with a career total of 473 kills and 443 digs.
Making up for half of the roster, the sophomore class brings young talent while perfecting their craft in the off-season. The sophomore class consists of returners Sadie McAda, Maggie Sewell, Francesca Panunzio, Torrey Tkach, Lillie Johnson, Mara Schmidt and Hayden Riddle. Panunzio, anchoring the offense with 505 assists in her first year, holds well to contribute that consistency to the Golden Eagles.
The Golden Eagles added Sunni Sheppard to the roster as well, a libero transfer from Houston. Sheppard, a Mississippi native, returns to her home state and joins previous high-school teammate Emily Davis, both being new additions this year.
In addition to Davis starting her freshman year, joined by her is Aubrey Judd, Kaylee Lowther, Lindsey Smith and Ella Ward. All bring talent to the table and look to develop their roles for the season.
While having a diverse roster of newcomers, returners, and transfers, Hazelwood has confidence in her team's conjoined efforts.
"The team has constantly worked hard and pushed to be the best they can be, and I know it will show on the court," said Hazelwood.
The scrimmage will be an opportunity for the Golden Eagles to get the ball rolling for the season, as well as give the players an opportunity to get into the intensity of what a season brings.
"We have had an outstanding preseason so far, and we are looking forward to getting in a game-like environment this weekend," said Hazelwood.
The Golden Eagles will kick off the regular season with a home tournament on Aug. 30-31, including matches against Northwestern State, Jacksonville and Southern University.
Tickets are still available for the 2024 season this fall. Fans can purchase tickets at SouthernMissTickets.com, by calling 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or visit the Pat Ferlise Ticket Office on campus weekdays during normal business hours.
To keep up with your Golden Eagles, follow the team on Facebook, (Southern Miss Volleyball), Instagram (@southernmissvb), and X (@SouthernMissVB).
Players Mentioned
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