The Siena Heights women's volleyball team will start its 2016 season at the Concordia University Kick-Off Tournament on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 19-20.

After a successful 2015 season, there are a few key changes to the 2016 roster, including graduating three of the team's defensive starters. However, Abby Whitehead, Ashleigh Shay and Taylor Felver are returning as offensive threats.

SHU welcomes 12 newcomers to the women's volleyball program, including two junior tranfers: Amanda Metz and Gabrielle Kalugar. Metz is expected to handle the setter position and run the teams offense while Kalugar will help the Saints in the back court.

Coach Kim Berrington states, "The first two things we need to accomplish are to create a positive team culture and learn to compete together as a team."

The Saints' season-opener will be against the Mount Vernon Nazarene Cougars, who are receiving votes in the 2016 NAIA Preseason Poll. The Cougars finished their 2015 season 34-4.

Click here to view the Saints' 2016 schedule and roster.