The Genesee Community College volleyball team begins its season this evening with a road contest at Erie. The Cougars hope to return to the region playoffs this season with a roster that includes six new members. The returning core from last season's team includes Sha-Ony Obispa, Audriana Reeves, Grace Zandrowicz and Lyndsey Rowland.

Last year's team had an impressive late season run by winning three of its last five matches prior to the Western New York Athletic Conference playoffs. Overall, the team went 11-17 and 2-4 in WNYAC action.

Of the returnees, two started in every contest last season in Obispa and Zandrowicz.

Obispa finished the year with 197 kills, 82 digs, 23 service aces and 20 total blocks (solo and assists); while Zandrowicz finished with 228 digs, 182 kills, 20 service aces and 23 total blocks.

Rowland started 20 contests last season with 154 kills, 129 total blocks and 40 digs; while Reeves came off the bench to add 80 digs and 13 service aces.

The Cougars' opening month of play features four POD events beginning at Genesee (Sept. 8), and followed by POD play at Onondaga (Sept. 15), at Erie (Sept. 22) and at Finger Lakes (Sept. 29).

In addition, the opening month features three home matches against region champion Jamestown (Sept. 11), Monroe (Sept. 20) and Mercyhurst North East (Sept. 27).