Carson-Newman Set to Face Lee in Exhibition

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. -- The Carson-Newman volleyball team will tune up for next week's regular season opener with an exhibition at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn. tonight.

C-N coach Shannon Mincey said playing a team of Lee's caliber will be very beneficial for her squad.

"Tonight will be good for our team," Mincey said. "We are just getting into our system, so playing against a powerful Lee team will let us know where we stand and what kinks need to be worked out prior to our tournament next weekend."

"I expect to play a lot of my freshman, so the experience for them will be very beneficial. This year is just a matter of balancing experience within my five seniors and youth within my five freshman."

The Eagles will be without preseason first team All-South Atlantic Conference selection Carly Mozgai (Greensboro, N.C.) due to an injury. Mincey said she will be looking for players to step up and fill in for the 2008 second team All-SAC performer.

"Not having Mozgai opens up an outside position," Mincey said. "We have had players step up and perform in that position but we haven't sealed the deal yet on who it will be. We aren't sure how long Carly will be out. She is so passionate about volleyball, so this will be tough for her mentally."

"I told my team stepping up and performing well as a team will only help her too. She has always been a true team player and worked very hard this summer. We hope and pray for a speedy recovery."

Last year C-N also faced Lee in an exhibition, loosing in set five by two points.

The Eagles open the season on Aug. 28 against Glenville State at 1 p.m. and Francis Marion at 7 p.m. in the annual C-N Tournament at Holt Fieldhouse.