COLUMBIA, S.C. – With five freshmen and five sophomores, the 2015 Benedict College volleyball team is young, but head coach Gwendolyn Rouse still has high expectations.

"We have a load of talent in returning sophomores and incoming freshmen," Rouse said. "If they work hard, we actually could win the (SIAC) East. If they work even harder, we could win the overall conference tournament."

The Lady Tigers, who finished third in the 2014 SIAC Tournament, kick off the season on Friday at 6:30 p.m. against the defending conference champions and in-state rival, Claflin University. Rouse said she scheduled Claflin early to give the Lady Tigers a gauge for the rest of the season.

"We'll be able to see where we're at and how much work we need to do. We'll be able to see how strong we can be in the conference," Rouse said.

The only senior on the squad is Je'Nae Saunders. Saunders has primarily played libero and defensive specialist during her first three seasons, but is making the switch to setter for 2015. Rouse also brought in a freshman setter in Brianne McMillian, who can also play libero. Rouse said Saunders and McMillian will likely share the two positions.

"They will probably flip flop," Rouse said. "Whoever is the libero, the other will be the setter."

Sophomore outside hitter Aaliyah Lawson finished third on the team last year as a freshman in kills per set, and is the team's top returning hitter. She was Benedict's lone representative on the SIAC preseason All-Conference team.

Junior middle blocker Jocolby Brown came on strong in the middle last season and recorded 55 blocks and was fourth on the team in kills. She was a big part of Benedict's tournament run and earned All-Tournament honors. Rouse sees a bigger offensive role for Brown this season.

"I don't know how Jocolby didn't make preseason All-Conference," Rouse said. "She'll show them when it comes time. She's definitely going to be a key role in our offense this year. We've been working hard on her hitting and getting open in the middle. She also can hit outside."

Rouse expects Majda Cisic, from Bosnia, to make an impact as a freshman as an outside hitter despite being only 5-foot-8.

"She's going to be a surprise in the conference," Rouse said. "Don't let her size fool you. She's a very strong player. She can really pound it. We just have to get her to be a little smarter, knowing she doesn't have to kill every ball."

Rouse said some of her other sophomores have made big improvements, primarily Arneshia Parrish, who was second on the team in blocks last year. Torcealon Kelley, who saw limited playing time last year as a freshman, has improved tremendously, Rouse said.

Benedict also returns sophomore P'yuncka Kearse-Peeples, who averaged 1.62 digs per set in limited action. Kiarra Pettway saw limited action as a freshman, but is expected to see more action this season.

Rouse added some height on the roster with a pair of 5-foot-11 freshmen in Brandi Jones and Olivia Williams. Kalena Wiggins is a 5-foot-10 lefthander from Washington, D.C., who has been a pleasant surprise, Rouse said. "She'll get plenty of playing time."

Rouse is anxious to see her young Lady Tigers in action on Friday.

"Because these kids have the love for the sport, it's going to be easier for them. They accept criticism to be good. They jell pretty good together as a team. Even though we're young, I think we'll be fine," Rouse said.