Newberry, S.C. - The Newberry College Volleyball team will be traveling to the mountains over the weekend to open South Atlantic Conference (SAC) play against the Pioneers of Tusculum and the Cavaliers of UVA Wise on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m., respectfully.

The Wolves carry a 5-2 record into conference play, and they are led by the efforts of Natasha Bannister and Avery Webb on offense, who rank third amongst all conference players in kills per set (3.38) and assists (249), respectively. Webb also currently holds the second-highest assist-per-set average in the league (10.38). On the defensive end, reigning SAC Defensive Player of the Week, Amanda Berecz is leading the conference in both digs (142) and digs per set (5.92) while Zoe Dinkins ranks third in the league in total blocks with 28.

Tusculum:

The Wolves first SAC opponent will be a strong one as the Pioneers (7-1; 2-0 SAC) currently hold the best record in the conference and already have a victory over Wingate, who were projected to win the SAC in the conference preseason poll. The Pioneers are led by Peyton Gash and Carli Pigza who both received Second-Team Preseason All-SAC honors. Junior outside hitter, Raeley Matthews also earned SAC Offensive Player of the week on Sept. 6, and she tallied 14 kills, and 17 digs in a victory over Shepherd. Elise Carmichael currently leads the league in service aces (26) for the Pioneers.

UVA Wise:

The Cavaliers of UVA Wise currently hold a 2-5 record (0-2 SAC), and they will host the Anderson Trojans on Friday evening prior to their contest with Newberry on Saturday afternoon. Adison Minor leads the Cavaliers' attack with 56 kills. Meanwhile, on the defensive end, Matelyn Gibson currently has 90 digs, and Cassidy Farley has 23 total blocks on the season.

After the weekend trip to face Tusculum and UVA Wise, the Wolves will return to Eleazer Arena to host the Trojans of Anderson University (S.C.) on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.