HAMMOND – Coming off its first postseason appearance since 2002, the Southeastern Louisiana University volleyball team officially opens its season on Friday when it competes in the two-day Jackson State Lady Tiger Invitational at T.B. Ellis Gymnasium.

Southeastern, which finished 9-19 overall last season and advanced to the Southland Conference Tournament, will face host Jackson State (18-17 in 2009) in its opening match at 1 p.m. before facing North Texas (12-21) at 3:30. The Lady Lions will conclude its opening weekend on Saturday facing Division I Independent UNO (20-13) at 9 a.m. and in-state rival Louisiana-Monroe (3-30) at 2 p.m.

Seniors Alex Greer and Allison Jones return as veteran leaders for fifth-year coach Julie Langford. Greer, from Valrico, Fla., finished fifth in the Southland Conference in digs per set (4.14) in 2009 and enters her final season ranked 13th in school history in total digs (911).

Jones, from Fairfax, Va., is the Lady Lions' top returning hitter after she finished second on the team in kills per set (2.30) and points per set (2.50).

Junior setter Arianne Cruckshank finished ninth in the Southland Conference in assists in 2009, averaging 7.98 in 55 sets, and posted 20 or more assists in 12 matches. Cruckshank averaged 8.87 assists per set in Southland Conference matches and enters the season ranked 11th in school history in assists (875).

Right side hitter Paige Dollison, despite being limited to just 13 matches and 23 sets during the 2009 season, finished as the team leader in hitting percentage (.274) and finishing third in blocks per set (0.57) while sophomore Courtney Donald was second on the team in blocks (0.58) and sophomore Taylor Buckner was fifth on the court in both kills per set (1.90) and hitting percentage (.135).

Eight newcomers, including seven true freshmen, will look to make immediate contributions on the court. Junior college transfer Chelsea Barr and freshman Megan McMillin will look to provide defensive support on the back row for Southeastern while freshman setter Lindsey Young will challenge Cruckshank for the starting role.

Up front, freshmen hitters Cherish Krohn, Kinsey Williams, Stephanie Mueller, Rhiannon Cheeks and former Northlake Christian standout Monica Raymond will all vie for playing time.

After competing this weekend, Southeastern will hold its annual Green and Gold Scrimmage on Tuesday in the University Center at 7 p.m. The Lady Lions will play their first 12 matches on the road before opening their home slate on Sept. 14 against South Alabama.