VESTAL, N.Y.- Binghamton volleyball begins the 2016 season at the College of Charleston Invitational this weekend. The Bearcats play Tennessee-Martin on Friday, August 26, at 4:30 p.m. The following day, BU takes on South Carolina at 2:30 p.m. and then wraps up its competition with a match against the host Cougars at 7 p.m.
 
Coach Glenn Kiriyama enters his 18^th season at Binghamton. He has won 250 matches at BU. His squad was voted to finish fourth in the America East Preseason Coaches' Poll.
 
In 2015, the Bearcats finished fourth in the conference, advancing to the America East Championship for the tenth time in 12 years. Sarah Ngo and Gaby Alicea were named America East All-Conference Second Team.
 
Ngo and Alicea lead a stellar group of returners for BU, as all but one contributor is back for the 2016 campaign. Bailey Walker and Allison Hovie top a strong senior class that has qualified for the postseason twice in their careers.
 
Tennessee-Martin went 9-24 in 2015. The Skyhawks were voted to finish tied for 11^th in the Ohio Valley Conference preseason poll. Coach Jaclyn Yocumm begins her second season at the helm of the program. Seniors Madison Wessling, Colleen Larson, and Alisha Erves lead the Skyhawks, as all three have been contributors throughout their collegiate careers.
 
South Carolina posted a 13-18 record last year. The Gamecocks were picked to finish tied for 10^th in the Southeastern Conference preseason poll. Dessaa Legros returns for her senior year after leading South Carolina with 349 kills in 2015.
 
College of Charleston was picked to finish fifth in the Colonial Athletic Association preseason poll. Last year, the Cougars went 20-13 and reached the CAA Championship match for the third straight season. Jason Kepner begins his 10^th season at Charleston. Middle blockers Krissy Mummey and Kennedy Madison lead the way, having earned All-CAA Honorable Mention recognition this preseason.