CLEVELAND, Ga. (August 19, 2021) – The Truett McConnell University women's volleyball team is set to begin their 2021 season Friday, where they will travel to face the University of Mobile and Grace College in the first day of the Royal Classic, hosted by Warner University.

Due to the Appalachian Athletic Conference COVID-19 regulations of 2020, all fall sports were prohibited from competing in any non-conference events, ultimately hindering the Lady Bears from competing in a full schedule of competition. Despite the limitations, the Lady Bears were capable of having a historical season, with their best-ever record of 19-8, 14-5 AAC; along with dominating in the AAC Tournament when they made it to the semi-finals for their second straight appearance.

"As a team, we're looking to continue where we left off last year. We want to keeping growing as individuals and as a program," Head Coach Mark Corbin said. "We've seen so much growth the past couple of seasons and don't want to lose that momentum."

Senior's Bethany Ross and Taylor Roland are amongst the core group of returners for the Lady Bears, along with junior Ranavia Neal, an All-AAC first team member, who ranked in the top five in several AAC categories last season. Sophomore Sonya Silecky, an All-AAC Freshman team member, will also be returning for TMU and will look to build upon her total career kills (262) and digs (270).

"We are returning most of our players from last year and have added some talent to the mix with our transfers and freshman.  Our team is young, but we look to prove that we are a program that will compete at the highest level. We hope that we can really enjoy a season with a little more normalcy this year and get in a full schedule."

Friday's matches are set to begin at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., with the first home opener of the season Friday, September 3, against Keiser University, inside the TMU Volleyball/Wrestling arena.

Keep up with the Lady Bears throughout the 2021 season here on tmbears.com and follow us on Facebook (@TMUBears), Instagram (@TMUBears) and Twitter (@TMUBears).