The Basics: SIUE volleyball begins its 2023 campaign with a trip to Peoria, Illinois, for a trio of contests against Eastern Michigan, Bradley, and IUPUI at the CEFCU Invitational. The Cougars open the weekend on Friday against Eastern Michigan (10:00 a.m.) and Bradley (6:30 p.m.) before taking on IUPUI (10:00 a.m.) Saturday.

A New Look: The 2023 season features seven new players with the addition of three transfers and four freshmen. Chelsey Abel, Corinna Jones, Elana Fuller, Abi Banitt, Cydney Anderson, Elise Paul, and Megan DePoorter will suit up for the first time with SIUE this weekend.

Preseason Honors: Junior outside hitter Sydney Hummert picked up Preseason All-OVC honors on Aug. 16 following her 2022 season where she led the Cougars with 318 kills. Her 2.72 kills per set also led SIUE while ranking 10th in the conference. She added 266 digs and 27 service aces, both good for second on SIUE, while recording 38 total blocks. Hummert is seven digs away from reaching 500 for her career.

200 Career Blocks: Redshirt senior Savannah Christian returns as the most experienced player on the Cougars' roster this season, entering her sixth year with the team. Last season, the outside hitter led SIUE with a .242 attack percentage while her 263 kills ranked second. She is one block away from reaching 200 for her career.

At Center Court: Alyse Drifka recorded 421 assists last season, averaging 4.09 per set, good for second on SIUE last season. Corinna Jones joins the Cougars this season from VCU where she collected 1,279 assists across three seasons.

Protect the Net: Middle blocker Priscilla Jones made her presence known at the net in her first season at SIUE last season, leading the team with 99 total blocks.

Opening Statement: Under the direction of Head Coach Kendall Paulus, the Cougars are 3-3 in season openers dating back to 2017.

Last Season: SIUE returned to the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament for the first time since 2019, falling as the No. 8 seed to top-seeded UT Martin in the first round. SIUE concluded the season 13-17 overall and 8-10 against conference opponents. In 2022, SIUE's digs per set (14.99), aces per set (1.32), attacks per set (36.06), and total kills (1,435) all ranked top five in the conference.

 Follow the Action All Season Long: Stay connected with the Cougars all season long by following @SIUEVolleyball on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.