Camels set for season opener at Baylor Classic

BUIES CREEK – The Fighting Camels are set to open the 2024 season this weekend at the Baylor Classic in Waco, Texas. Campbell will face Tulsa, Abilene Christian in a Friday double-header, and No. 23 Baylor on Sunday at the Ferrell Center.

The Camels will look to build upon a strong first season in the CAA that saw the Camels go 17-13, 13-5 in league play and finish third in the regular season. This year will be a new look on the court following some key departures and rotation mainstays over the past four years, and provide opportunity to newcomers and returners alike to leave their mark.

Tournament Schedule

Friday Aug. 30 – 2pm – Campbell vs Tulsa

Friday Aug. 30 – 6pm – Campbell vs Abilene Christian

Sunday Sept. 1 – 12pm – Campbell at No. 23 Baylor

Series History

Tulsa is the only team in the field Campbell has previously faced, and is 1-0 against the Hurricane, with a five-set loss in 2007.

About The Field

Baylor is coming off a 17-13, 10-8 campaign a year ago in the Big12. This season, the Bears were picked to finish fifth in the Big12 with a pair of players, Lauren Briseno and Elise McGhee named preseason all-Big12. Briseno, a senior libero, collected 356 digs (3.12 digs/set) last year. McGhee put away 412 kills, good for top 5 in the Big12. The Bears are ranked 23 in the AVCA preseason poll.

Tulsa went 18-15, 10-9 in 2023 in the American. The Hurricane did pick up an invite to the NIVC and earned a postseason win over Kansas City. Tulsa was chosen to finish 10th in this year’s American preseason poll.

Abilene Christian posted an 11-18, 6-10 mark a season ago in the WAC. The Wildcats were chosen to finish sixth in this year’s WAC preseason poll.

Preseason Polling

Campbell was chosen fourth in the CAA preseason poll while receiving one first-place vote. Gwen Wolkow earned a spot on the CAA preseason all-conference team, and Aley Clent was tabbed preseason all-CAA honorable mention.

Towson was again chosen as the preseason favorite after winning last year’s regular season crown. Tournament champion Delaware was picked second, and Charleston third just ahead of the Camels.

Season Openers

Campbell is 15-24 all-time in season openers, and 4-7 in openers under head coach Greg Goral. The Camels dropped a close one 3-2 to North Texas in last year’s opener in Boulder, Colo. CU began last season 0-5 before getting into the win column in week two against Bethune-Cookman.

Key Returners

Gwen Wolkow notched the most kills (308), digs (270), and aces (32) last season among all CU returners. Aley Clent posted her second 100+ block season last year and 160 kills for the second time. Abbie Yours had an increased role and a breakout season with 218 kills as a sophomore. Maddie Converse led the team with 721 assists, more than 300 more than anyone else on the team, and had four matches with 40+.

Looking Ahead

Campbell heads to the Wofford Classic in Spartanburg, SC to face Queens, Presbyterian, and Wofford.

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