LAWTON, Okla. – The Cameron University volleyball team will open up the 2018 season this weekend as they compete in the Southern Arkansas Dr. Margaret Downing Invitational, Aug. 24-25.

Weekend Schedule | Dr. Margaret Downing Invitational Central | Live Video | Live Stats
Magnolia, Ark. on the campus of Southern Arkansas University
Aug. 24
Game 1 – Cameron at Quincy | 11 a.m.
Game 2 – Cameron vs. Mississippi College | 3 p.m.
Aug. 25
Game 3 – Cameron vs. Union (Tenn.) | 9 a.m.
Game 4 – Cameron at Southern Arkansas | 3 p.m. 

About the Aggies:
Cameron enters the new season on the heels of a 7-22 year in 2017, head coach Tatianna Booth's first season at the helm. They were a significantly better team than their record indicated and they return all but their starting setter for 2018.

CU has a ton of experience returning, including seven seniors, all of which played key minutes a year ago. Leading the way is senior Paige Dixon, who is one of the top returning outside hitters in the Lone Star Conference. She averaged 3.03 kills per set, while hitting .159 and totaling 52 blocks. She is joined by middle blocker Brandy Carr, who ranked third in the league with 1.22 blocks per set in 2017 and Ashleigh McFatridge, who averaged 0.97 blocks, to form a solid front line. On the back line, Cameron returns libero Brittnee Altic, who led CU with 461 digs and 35 service aces a year ago. She will be joined by Brittany Lawson, Reanna Ramnauth, and Katrina Campbell, a trio that combined for 568 digs in 2017.

Joining the returners are a group of newcomers that include two transfers and four freshmen. Transfers Amina Olajuwon and Peyton Little bring to the team a pair of proven winners from top tier junior colleges. Olajuwon averaged 1.55 kills and 0.84 blocks per set as a sophomore at Blinn College, while Little totaled 181 digs at Tyler Junior College. CU's freshman class includes outside hitters Sarah Wright and Shantalle Demirjian and setters Bailee Smith and Kirsten Evans.

Scouting Quincy:
The Quincy Hawks were picked 11th in the GLVC Preseason Poll after going 8-21 last season. They return 14 players from last year's team, including five seniors. Taylor McMonagle is the team's top returning offensive player, recording 205 kills and 29 service aces last season. Marissa Gonzalez returns after recording 599 digs in 2017, which tied for the second most in QU program history.

Scouting Mississippi College:
The Lady Choctaws were ranked 11th in the Gulf South Preseason Poll, as they concluded 2017 with a 10-22 overall record last season. Shelby Grace Mays returns as the team's top attacking option, averaging 2.88 kills per set last season, while freshmen Jamie Boros and Kendall Platt were both named GSC Top-Newcomers  for MC.

Scouting Union (Tenn.):
Union went 15-16 last season and was ranked ninth in this year's GSC Preseason Poll earlier this month. They return three starters from last season and nine players overall. Abbie Rahn and Christa Karns return as two of the team's top three offensive players a season ago. Rahn had 266 kills and 174 digs, while Karns had 256 kills and 83 total blocks.

Scouting Southern Arkansas:
The host of the tournament, Southern Arkansas, was picked 11th in the Great American Conference Preseason Poll. They are coming off of an 8-23 season where they just went 1-15 against the GAC. SAU returns six players, four of which are sophomores, and 11 newcomers (three transfers and eight true freshmen). Seven Powers is back for the Lady Muleriders on the front row, looking to improve from her 226 kills and 44 blocks last season. Bailey Cagle and Lauren Smith combined for 161 total blocks, while Alana Perez returns 113 digs in 57 sets played at the libero position.

Last season, Cameron and SAU battled during the first weekend of the season, with the Aggies coming out on top 3-1. Dixon led the team with 17 kills on 31 attacks with four blocks, and Bristol Lewis had 11 kills.

Next Up:
Following the trip to Magnolia, Ark., CU will welcome fans to the Aggie Gym for their home opener against Southwestern Oklahoma State on Tuesday, Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.