TUSKEGEE, Ala. | The Tuskegee University volleyball team and first-year head coach Melissa Robinson open the 2015 season on the road at the Spike Out Hunger Tournament hosted by Winston-Salem State this weekend.
 
"I am excited to start the season," Robinson said. "The team has worked extremely hard and has made some great strides over the few weeks."
 
The Lady Golden Tigers, who finished 11-13 overall last season, will face Fairmont State in the opening match of the tournament – a team that finished 24-7 (13-3 in the Mountain East ) in 2014. While at the tournament in pool play, Tuskegee will also face West Virginia Wesleyan (11-13, 9-7) and Shepherd (18-13, 10-6), both members of the Mountain East Conference.
 
"This weekend allows us to play some great teams and get an opportunity to compete at a high level," Robinson said. "I believe this tournament gives us the opportunity to play with our strengths and work on our weaknesses as a team."
 
Tuskegee returns just three players from last season – all three of whom will be starting Friday – that includes 2014 SIAC and 2015 SIAC Preseason selection, Pamela Allen. The junior, and Montgomery-native, returns as the leading offensive threat for Tuskegee with 277 kills in 2014 and 473 for her career for an average of 2.69 per set.
 
The other returning players for Tuskegee include junior Jacqueline Wilson and sophomore setter Morgan Scrivens (315 assists).
 
The roster for Tuskegee is littered with new players, which include five freshmen and five juniors.
 
"I am looking for our team to work together this weekend," Robinson said. "I am just looking forward to some great volleyball."
 
For continued coverage of Tuskegee University athletics, follow us on Twitter @MyTUAthletics and like us on Facebook.