New Orleans, LA -- The Dillard University Volleyball team will play its season opener against conference foe, Spring Hill College, Tuesday, September 16, 2008 in Mobile, AL.  After a two week delay due to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike,  the Dillard Lady Blue Devils are anxious to begin the 2008 season.  Head Coach Yolanda Brown believes that her team is ready to compete. The Lady Blue Devils are returning five players of which four are starters.

Tawonna Cage and Keisha Smoke are expected to guide the team to victory. Cage, a 5-8 middle blocker will provide a strong presence in the middle. "Cage is the heart and soul of this team," said Coach Brown. Despite an injured shoulder last season, Cage ranked 2nd on  the team in blocks per game (4.0). Smoke, a 5-7 outside hitter is the team's offensive threat.  She led the team with 11.1 kills per game last season. Coach Brown is looking for her to have a breakout year offensively and defensively. "She has made major improvements overall, especially with her passing" said Coach Brown.  Cage and Smoke both have the potential to be All-GCAC selections this year.
 
The two remaining starters, Banikah Jackson and Danta Cobb will add experience to the Lady Blue Devils.  Jackson, a 5-2 defensive specialist, can play any position on the court. "She's the 5-2 fireball", says Coach Brown. Her versatility is documented in last season's stats where she led the team with 5.8 blocks per game and 10.2 digs per game. Cobb enters her second season with the Lady Blue Devils.  She led the team with 22.9 assists per game. "Her aggressiveness and skill level have improved" said Coach Brown.

Chanell Laurent, a 5-4 defensive specialist will add depth to the Lady Blue Devil squad. 

Coach Brown has added five ladies to the roster this year.

Name	Classification	Position	Height	Hometown
Macyonna Campbell	Fr.	OH/MB	5-9	Slidell, LA
Shonte' Walton	Fr.	RS	5-7	Saginaw, MI
Roshawnda Buchanan	Fr.	RS/OH	5-8	Oak Park, MI
Kemara James	Fr.	DS	5-4	Brooklyn, NY
Danisha Roy	Fr.	DS	5-5	New Orleans, LA

Coach Brown believes that the addition of these young ladies will help her continue to rebuild the program. Overall the team has developed great chemistry and is looking forward to a good season. 

For up-to-date information regarding Dillard Athletics visit www.dillard.edu and click on Athletics or visit the Official Home of the Dillard University Blue Devils at www.dillardbluedevils.com .