ROCK HILL, SC – The Winthrop volleyball team kicks off the 2017 season this weekend as the Eagles travel to Morehead, KY to participate in the Morehead State Tournament.

Winthrop will play twice on Friday, first at 1:00 p.m. against Youngstown State and then again at 4:30 p.m. against Delaware State. Saturday Winthrop will face the host Morehead State at 2:00 p.m.

Under fifth-year head coach Bruce Atkinson, the Eagles were predicted to finish sixth in the Big South Preseason Poll. Winthrop finished last season with a 15-17 overall record, just missing the conference tournament.

The Eagles will have different hitters this year as Emma Weakland and Brianna Gray have graduated. Sophomore Sydney Gunter and Senior Keaupono Fey will take over along with transfer junior Phoebe Wu. Gunter finished last season with 218 kills and a 2.08 kill per set average while Fey finished with 166 kills and a 2.31 kill per set average.

Winthrop will be working with nine new players including five freshman into the team's system. The Eagles will have experience in the setter role as sophomore's Siani Yamaguchi and Hannah Lackey will both return and see time there.

Following the weekend tournament in Morehead, the Eagles will be at home on Tuesday August 29 to face Wofford at 7:00 p.m.