HUNTSVILLE, Ala. ^_ Alabama A&M Volleyball begins their 2019 season on Friday by competing in the SWAC/MEAC Tournament in Montgomery this weekend (Aug. 30-31).

The Lady Bulldogs open up against Delaware State on Friday, Aug. 30 at 9 a.m. before two matches on Saturday, the first against South Carolina State at 2 p.m. and the second against Florida A&M at 5 p.m. to close out the tournament. Head coach Rose Powell begins her sixth season at the helm of the Alabama A&M volleyball program. She has a 57-18 (.760) conference record and a career 448-406 (.524) overall season overall as a head coach. 

The Bulldogs are coming off back-to-back regular season Southwestern Athletic Conference titles, and returning a majority of talent from last year's squad, including five preseason First-Team All-SWAC selections. Alabama A&M was picked to finish second by the SWAC in the annual preseason poll, while Junior Maya Evans was named preseason Player of the Year, voted on by conference coaches and media personnel.

*All tournament matches will be played at Lockhart Gymnasium located at 915 S. Jackson Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

First-Team All-SWAC Volleyball
Outside/Right Side Hitter: Terra Brooks, Alabama A&M
Outside/Right Side Hitter: Bayle' Bennett, Alabama State
Outside/Right Side Hitter: Jaelin Gant, Alabama A&M
Outside/Right Side Hitter: Alana Cox, Alabama A&M
Hitter/Blocker: Maya Evans, Alabama A&M
Middle Hitter/Blocker: Marina Bianchi Brito, Jackson State
Setter: Megan Evans, Alabama A&M
Setter: Breyanna York, Texas Southern
Libero/Defensive Specialist: Fiapaipai Iosia, Alcorn State

Second-Team All-SWAC Volleyball
Outside/Right Side Hitter: Krysta Medearis, Alabama State
Outside/Right Side Hitter: Chasity Hicks, Grambling State
Outside/Right Side Hitter: Taira Cottingham, Alabama State
Outside/Right Side Hitter: Sydney Joseph, Alcorn State
Middle Hitter/Blocker: Arabella Hall, Southern Middle
Hitter/Blocker: Victoria Pearson, Prairie View A&M
Setter: Erica Jimenez, Prairie View A&M
Setter: Barbara Grubisic Cabo, Alcorn State
Libero/Defensive Specialist: Jessica Bell, Mississippi Valley State

SWAC Preseason Player of the Year
Maya Evans, Alabama A&M

SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
Bayle' Bennett, Alabama State

Predicted Order of Finish (Points)
1. Alabama State (162)
2. Alabama A&M (132)
3. Texas Southern (107)
4. Southern (90)
5. Jackson State (86)
6. Prairie View A&M (81)
7. Grambling State (72)
8. Arkansas Pine-Bluff (48)
9. Alcorn State (35)
10. Mississippi Valley State (30)

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